In an ideal world, there could be an abundance of simply accessible sources to assist moms not simply survive, however thrive. Sadly, that is all too typically not the case. It is powerful on the market, and even harder for single mothers — 28% currently live in poverty — who sometimes have to leap by way of a number of hoops to obtain help. It is a feat that may really feel insurmountable if you’re already residing in disaster mode.
Jaycina Almond understands this on a deeply private degree.
When she received pregnant at 20, she noticed firsthand how difficult it may very well be to make it by yourself as a mom and to get assist if you want it. As an alternative of changing into a statistic, Almond embraced younger motherhood, kickstarting her modeling profession after sharing Instagram posts of nursing her daughter, Syx.
However past modeling, Almond was decided to impact change for single mothers and Black single mothers particularly, as nearly 1 in 2 Black mothers are single mothers. She dreamed of making a security web for these residing on the margin to allow them to get what they want (when they want it, not after tangling with a bunch of crimson tape). To that finish, the mannequin mother shaped The Tender Basis, a transformative non-profit that emphasizes accessibility, group, and help with out disgrace or stigma. Mothers merely must fill out a simple form and, as soon as accredited, can obtain assist in the type of emergency invoice pay, grocery retailer reward playing cards, diapers, and different requirements.
At the moment, Almond is being acknowledged for the extremely essential work she’s doing, tapped as the newest Honoree in Adidas’ Honoring Black Excellence (HBE) initiative. To focus on her impression, the model debuted a strong quick movie that shares Almond’s story. The movie, says the model, explores “the often-overlooked power and resilience of Black moms, amplifying their voices and difficult stereotypes.”
As a part of the collaboration, Adidas can also be making a donation to The Tender Basis in order that Almond can proceed empowering single moms to interrupt down boundaries.
Right here’s what Almond shared with Scary Mommy after we not too long ago received the chance to ask her about her life-changing work, being a single mother herself, and what wants to vary to actually dismantle a few of these systemic challenges.
Scary Mommy: Congrats on being acknowledged as an Adidas HBE 2025 honoree! What does it imply to you to be an honoree, particularly at this second in time?
Jaycina Almond: Receiving such recognition on such a big scale is so surreal! When you find yourself within the thick of it, there’s all the time extra you’re feeling like you could possibly be and must be doing. I wish to be sure all our households keep housed, everyone has sufficient for groceries this month… all of the issues. However being named certainly one of Adidas Honoring Black Excellence (HBE) Honorees made me take time to mirror on all the things we’ve been capable of accomplish, how my group and my village are the parents who made it doable for me to be the place I’m right this moment. I’m a Black woman from Kentucky who received pregnant at 20, you already know? I’m not imagined to be sitting right here having this dialog with you. At a time when many organizations are scaling again on community-driven efforts, Adidas has remained dedicated — a call that speaks volumes concerning the model’s values.
SM: It’s actually heartbreaking to learn that 28% of single moms reside in poverty. How does The Tender Basis assist, and what must occur on a systemic degree to impact change?
JA: At Tender, we’re constructing a security web for single mothers residing on the margins right here in Atlanta. That assist permits them to put money into what they want, from housing to maintaining the fridge stocked, and all the things in between. We provide emergency invoice pay help with hire, utilities, and childcare prices. We additionally function a Diaper Financial institution the place all households can get diapers, wipes, and method totally free. Moreover, we run a assured earnings program referred to as The Bridge, the place our mamas obtain month-to-month money funds for a full 12 months… no strings connected.
We actually do consider in trust-based options which can be rooted in dignity. I consider, at first, there needs to be a story change round poverty and single motherhood to get to any actual systemic change on a coverage degree. We’ve got to dispel the parable that poverty is a person failing, that poor of us mismanage their cash, that poor of us are much less deserving, simply didn’t work onerous sufficient, and that single moms are irresponsible, and so forth. If we proceed to let this be the narrative, it will likely be onerous to enact change at a coverage degree — and that’s the place change must occur. Insurance policies that assist essentially the most marginalized households may also profit all households.
SM: What thought patterns have you ever overcome personally, and in what methods do you try day by day to redefine Black motherhood?
JA: I undoubtedly struggled with the stigma connected to being a younger, Black single mother rather a lot when my daughter was youthful. I noticed, although, that no matter folks considered me stated much more about them than me, and on the finish of the day, why did I care a lot about folks I’ll in all probability by no means see once more? Like, why do I care if my Uber driver is aware of I’m 21 and single with a 6-month-old? Or what folks on Instagram thought?
I additionally assume that stigma is compounded if you’re poor. I don’t assume I essentially got down to redefine Black motherhood; there have been generations and generations of fantastic Black mamas earlier than me, and there can be many after me. I simply attempt to do my greatest for my woman day by day.
SM: Black girls accomplish that a lot for all of us: Not solely within the bigger contributions to society but in addition in how society seems to Black girls for consolation (the internet’s “aunties”) and power (at the polls and in politics, for instance). That assist clearly isn’t all the time reciprocated. It could be unfair to ask you to coach us on how we will higher assist Black girls and Black mothers particularly, however what are your private hopes for the longer term on this regard?
JA: Thanks — I actually recognize that. My hope for the way forward for supporting Black mamas is rooted in deep narrative change. I wish to see a world the place Black moms are actually seen, heard, and protected. The place dangerous stereotypes are rejected, and Black motherhood is represented with honesty and care. The place being Black doesn’t imply dealing with a better threat throughout labor and supply. The place Black mothers have equal entry to the sources they should reside full, flourishing lives. I need all the things good for Black mothers — as a result of we deserve it.
SM: I grew up with a single mother elevating three children, and I really feel like shortage mindset has actually adopted me all through life due to the monetary pressure we felt. How do you fight that, and the way does your work assist different single moms break the cycle for his or her youngsters?
JA: I so perceive this. One factor that myself and our whole Tender group fall again on is that certainly one of our core values and pillars is generosity. So there’s all the time this inside intestine test or a option to problem one another’s choices by asking, “Is that this beneficiant?” It’s a apply that has infiltrated my private relationship with cash as nicely.
And to be utterly clear, a few of our mamas solely want a bit assist alongside the best way, and a few of our mamas are caught within the hamster wheel of poverty. Like, it actually is dear to be poor — however we hope by paying payments and placing extra cash in our mama’s pockets, we take a few of that monetary pressure off their household.
SM: What recommendation would you give anybody who needs to attempt to assist single mothers of their group however is not positive how you can begin or greatest contribute to a nonprofit?
JA: Truthfully, simply do it! Begin someplace. If there’s someone or a company already doing the work you consider in, bounce in … shoot an e mail providing assist or arrange a name. If you wish to do your individual factor, similar — simply begin and title your intentions publicly so your group can assist.
SM: Individuals may be so, so onerous on mothers. What are a few of the methods folks decide mothers (and particularly single mothers) that you simply actually want would change?
JA: I believe one of many greatest stereotypes for Black single mothers, poor Black single mothers particularly, is the “welfare queen” trope. That single mothers are irresponsible, promiscuous, or negligent dad and mom. That someway single motherhood is inferior to the nuclear household. That single mamas made the “fallacious” selection of associate. I imply, the record goes on.
SM: I’ve lengthy cherished Adidas, and now I like them much more. How essential is it to assist manufacturers that assist girls?
JA: It’s actually significant, particularly in instances when assist for girls and households can really feel unsure. Having allies and group issues. I all the time inform my daughter: Know what you stand for and don’t waver from that. So, when a model takes motion that aligns along with your values, it’s value supporting — it indicators that they perceive what their group cares about and are prepared to mirror that in what they do.
This interview has been evenly edited for readability.
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