Branson, Missouri. January 10, 2022 – In 1997, JoDee Herschend of Branson, Missouri, fulfilled a vision that God had given her years prior – to see single mothers and their children desire to know Christ, by working in tandem with local churches to start single mother support groups. With the support of her husband, Peter Herschend, The Caring People, a Missouri-based nonprofit, was born. Over the next two decades that vision morphed into a regional movement working with churches and volunteers, impacting an estimated 7,000 women and children by encouraging them to grow in their walk with the Lord. Dozens of single moms’ support groups launched throughout four states and across the region, as a result of The Caring Peoples’ effort.  In 2018, JoDee passed away, but the ministry continued to journey.

Today, The Caring People announced the passing of the baton to The Life of a Single Mom Ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a national organization dedicated to seeing no single mom walk alone by launching single moms’ support groups in churches and hosting single mom events. The organization has worked to launch more than 1,600 support groups in churches throughout the U.S. and beyond, serving over 750,000 single mothers, since its inception in 2011. Its current CEO, Jennifer Maggio, is also the organization’s founder and said the following, “I had the privilege of meeting JoDee in 2016 and knew instantly our hearts were aligned with the same vision of serving single mothers. We are humbled and honored that The Caring People have seen fit to allow us to carry JoDee’s vision into the future.”

“We began discussions with The Life of a Single Mom in September 2021,” said Anne E. Herschend-McGregor, current board member of The Caring People and one of JoDee and Peter’s 5 children. “Having long been familiar with their work, we could see their ministry was and is energized and engaging. We believed the future of serving our single mothers and children would be amplified through their thoughtful faith-based curriculum and leadership. Our board and family are confident, the vision my mom dedicated herself to, was not given only to her, but to Jennifer as well.  We are both excited and grateful to be able to watch and support the work of, The Life of a Single Mom, as it launches in the region.” Herschend-McGregor adds, “It brings us both peace and joy to know that God’s vision is continuing to be walked out and selfishly, that Mom’s legacy will continue in this merger.” 

“We are excited to partner with The Life of a Single Mom to broaden the scope of services offered in the region. Single moms need to know they are not alone and that they can be successful. This is the right move for all involved” says Peter Herschend. 

The Caring People will officially close its doors on March 31, 2022 and will spend the next several weeks working with its care groups to ensure that the transition is seamless. The transition will culminate into two powerful events to forge a strong launch.  First, there will be a free leadership training available on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 9am-12pm, in Springfield, Missouri, for all current and former The Caring People groups, as well as any area churches interested in launching a new single moms’ support group.  The event will include curriculum distribution and training, troubleshooting, detailed information on The Life of a Single Mom support services, prayer, and Q&A, as well as breakfast and lunch.  Registration is required and will be open at www.thelifeofasinglemom.com/events soon.

Next, a Single Mom Valentine’s Banquet will be hosted in partnership with Victory Mission’s Single Momz Rock on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 5:00pm. Registration is also required for this single mom-centric event and will be released on The Life of a Single Mom’s website soon.

“We are excited to bring new curriculum, training, and support services to each care group leader and believe that this transition will only serve to grow the work the Lord has already done in the community. We look forward to building long-standing relationships within the Springfield-Branson area and expanding the work substantially over the next 3 years in a variety of churches. Revival is now.” Maggio said.