(credit: http://www.learntoparent.org)

ESCAPE Family Resource Center

3210 Eastside
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 942-9500
www.learntoparent.org

The ESCAPE Family Resource Center is a great resource for single moms and dads in Houston. In addition to the organization’s permanent facility, ESCAPE offers parenting classes at 70 locations in and around the city. Due to generous support, most of these classes are offered at no cost or for very affordable rates. They try to cater to a wide demographic, with classes offered in English, Spanish and Chinese. Some classes that might be most relevant for single moms include “Families and Divorce,” “Empowered for Motherhood” and “The First Five.” There is also a Parent Aide mentorship program designed for families that are deemed at a high risk for child maltreatment, which could include single parents that are spread too thin between providing for their families and caring for their children. The ESCAPE Web site also offers a variety of parenting tips and resources that could be helpful to single moms or any struggling parent. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Web site resources are available at any time.

(credit: http://www.cmhouston.org)

Parent Resource Library

The Children’s Museum of Houston
1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 535-7264
www.cmhouston.org/library

Another very affordable resource for single moms and dads in Houston is the Parent Resource Library within The Children’s Museum of Houston. All you need to gain access to the abundant print and Web resources here is a Houston Public Library card. This unique library is the first of its kind in the country, devoted entirely to parenting resources, housed in a comfortable, cutting-edge facility where your children are welcome. Your kids can play with educational toys or browse the children’s book section, while you browse the parenting stacks for information on anything from toilet training to ADHD and learning disabilities. You can also check out books to take home and print information from online resources in the computer area. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

(credit: http://www.motherhoodcenter.com)

The Motherhood Center

3701 West Alabama, Suite 230
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 963-8880
www.motherhoodcenter.com

Another great resource for single moms in Houston is the Motherhood Center. Although the name might suggest otherwise, single dads and couples are welcome here too. There are several different parenting classes offered (for a fee), as well as other resources such as a staff nutritionist, photography studio, babysitting services, fitness classes and a nanny placement agency. Some of these things may be out of budget for many single moms and dads, but there are complimentary classes and free support groups offered here, as well. The current complimentary courses focus on choosing the right pediatrician, nanny or doula. Some of the current support groups for moms are “Expecting and New Moms Talk,” “Working Moms Support,” “Postpartum Support Group” and “International Moms Support.” Call or visit The Motherhood Center Web site for more details.

Grants For Single Mothers

Single mothers often need help with expenses of one sort or another. They have not only themselves to provide for but a child or several children as well. If anybody should qualify for grant assistance, most people can agree that single mothers are on top of the list. Grants for single mothers are definitely available.