Single Moms Support Group Meets Three Times a Month at West End Library

 

Shatoria Peavy, right, founder of Mommy's Lounge Inspires, &West End Library Branch Manager Lynn Hutchins

About Mommy's Lounge Inspires Inc.

Details: Founded in 2018 by Shatoria Peavy, Mommy's Lounge Inspires is a single mother's support group that provides mentoring, tools and resources they need to cultivate happy and healthy families. 

When:  Meets every second and third Tuesday from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. at West End Branch Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave. SW. The group also hosts a monthly resource day providing single moms with free items including diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, school supplies, and clothing for adults and kids/babies every 4th Tuesday from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.

April meeting dates:   

Mom Support Group, 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. on April 11 and April 18

Free Resources for Moms, Tuesday, April 25, 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. Must pre-register for mom's resource day at www.mommysloungeinspires.com

Birmingham, Ala.- Hey single mothers in metro Birmingham, are you looking for a place to gather and share ideas with other single moms?

Shatoria Peavy, founder of Mommy's Lounge Inspires Inc., a nonprofit support group for single mothers that meets twice a month at West End Branch Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave. SW, was featured last week as part of #StrongHer, a City of Birmingham Women's History Month Spotlight. 

Every second and third Tuesday at the West End Library, from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Peavy welcomes single mothers and their children for an evening of enrichment and encouragement. The children are in one room, and the mothers are in another. The mothers share what's on their minds but also receive motivational and educational messages on everything from finances to childcare.

On a recent evening, Peavy, a single mother of three, discussed self-confidence and the power of forgiving one's self.

"If you make a mistake, it's OK. You are not perfect," Peavy recalled telling the women. "As long as we are living, we have the chance to correct mistakes." 

Peavy founded Mommy’s Lounge Inspires in 2018 to give single mothers a space to release and re-energize. She explained what inspired the name.

"When you think about a lounge, you can go there and let your hair down," said Peavy, 35. "I'm hoping my story and other single mothers' stories will inspire single mothers to know their worth and know they can do anything."

On every fourth Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Peavy hosts a Resource Day for single mothers at the library. Mothers must pre-register for the event, and they pick up personal hygiene items, baby items, diapers, wipes and clothing for women and children. 

Mommy's Lounge Inspires does not meet in November or December, although Peavy does hosts a single mothers' conference in November. Her organization also provides holiday assistance and hosts a toy drive for single mothers. 

"I am so pleased that the West End Branch is able to host the Mom Support Group twice a month," said Lynn Hutchins, branch manager at West End Library. "It is rewarding to see the good works of this group being accomplished within the walls of the library. Shatoria's cheerful outlook and kindness radiate from her to everyone she meets."

Peavy said being able to bring Mommy's Lounge Inspires programs to the West End Library has been a tremendous help to the organization.

"I was born and raised in  West End community so to be given the opportunity to serve in my old neighborhood means a lot to me and my family," Peavy said. We get to showcase positivity, and the good that's in West End. Special thanks to Mrs. Lynn for believing in our mission and opening doors for us to serve in the community."

Once homeless and a divorcee from an unhealthy marriage, Peavy recognized the power of positivity and speaking things into existence. She kept moving forward to make change.

"I really thank God for everything I've gone through because it made me who I am today," said Peavy, who is also an author. "I am real. I'm not fake about anything. In your lowest moment, that is when God will show yourself strong to you."

For more information about Mommy Lounge Inspires, Inc., visit www.mommyloungeinspires.com. #StrongHer

#WomensHistoryMonth

Peavy is also a published author.  Her book, Mommy's Lounge Inspires Presents 21 Days of Insight and Journaling, released in 2020, was birthed by her experience running Mommy's Lounge Inspires. 21 Days of Insight and Journaling is available for checkout at West End Library,  Five Points West Library and the Central Library. You can also buy the book online on Walmart.com.   

Shatoria Peavy's book "21 Days of Insight & Journaling"

Shatoria Peavy, founder of Mommy's Lounge Inspires