Las Vegas non-profit aims to help single moms build better futures

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas non-profit aims to help single mothers achieve personal success and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.

The non-profit known as the Jeremiah Program is committed to helping single moms invest in themselves through higher education. They believe childhood success starts with helping the mother achieve her own success.

Monica Dodson is working toward a college degree and a career in nursing, something no one in her family has done before.

“It’s a long time coming, and I’m ready to change the narrative in my family,” Dodson added.

With nine campuses across the county, Las Vegas was recently identified as a city needing opportunity. Its new space opened in April 2024.

“The greater investments that we have in mom, the greater opportunity we have to disrupt the cycle of poverty in the next generation,” executive director Maria Tucker said. “30% of families here are single-parent-headed households.”

Tucker was a single mother, completing her undergraduate and graduate school while caring for her son.

“I know it in my bones that working two generations at a time is just so important, and I know my moms can do it,” Tucker said.

Janiesha Phillips started the program last year. The program focuses on removing barriers to success and helps with backup childcare, emergency assistance, transportation, and unpaid school balances.

“That’s what I think really pushed me. Someone that said I can.” Phillips voiced. “Being able to have a community of women that we can support each other to come together, and you know, share, give, take, receive.”

Dodson and Phillips said the Jeremiah Program is as much for their future as their daughters’.

“Seeing her see me do it, it sets the tone, so she knows it’s limitless, whatever she wants to do,” Dodson said.

The Jeremiah Program currently supports around 300 single moms and their children in Las Vegas and is operating at full capacity, though there is a waitlist. As moms complete their college degrees, the program accommodates more women.

Anyone interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or joining the board, visit the Jeremiah Program website .

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