This exercise in visualizing what the future might look like is just the beginning of the growth at BOND, a Baltimore-based non-profit organization that supports single mothers of color with their daughters.
Griffin, founder and CEO at BOND, grew up in a family where her grandmother and mother were single mothers. She noticed a trend only after she was elected to be the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women’s dean.
Griffin recalled, “One of my greatest joys was talking with my girls.” They would share everything with me. They would tell me everything, all the ups and downs, all the challenges. And I would ask them, “Have you spoken to your mother or maternal figure about this?” They would reply, “No.” That kind of relationship is not for us. No, I don’t want to put any other things on her plate. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
Mothers began to approach Griffin and ask her, “Can you help with my relationship with your daughter?” … Or ‘Can I help you fill out this job request? “Can you help me clear the lines at the social services or housing department?
Griffin stated, “And so these were my burdens.”
Griffin created BOND with Alisa Williams, her mother and counselor, in 2015 after she was unable to find a program that could address the multigenerational needs in a holistic manner.
It’s great fun. It’s interesting. Williams laughed, saying, “I get to learn with her, and then there are challenges because I have my personal personality.” She is her own persona.”
The United States has the highest percentage of children in single-parent families, according to Pew Research Center. It could lead to increased poverty risk and stressors for single mothers. This can have a ripple effect on children.
BOND offers financial wellness programs for Black women, as well as mentorship programs that are focused on social-emotional needs. Griffin stated that more than two-thirds (or three quarters) of BOND moms were able to raise their income by one tax bracket.
Mothers like Tyeisha Johnson, and Akira Johnson, find safe spaces to share their goals and be intentional at meetings.
“Because it’s just me and her, we have always had a very close relationship. As I was going through graduate school, I had to take a part-time position. Johnson explained that it was a way for us to have dedicated time for specific activities.
“The activities that we do together allow us to get to know one another better.” Akira said that they could also learn new things together. She works hard and tries her hardest to accomplish everything she can. I’m proud of her.
Griffin stated that addressing the needs of these families through a multigenerational approach “gives us the chance to have an exponential impact.”
Griffin stated, “One of my greatest things is just this open, clear, very specific communication between moms, daughters that also includes language about our emotions and mental health.” “We are not allowed to talk about our emotions in Black communities and Black women.
BOND’s goals include changing the narrative around single mothers.
Griffin stated, “There are so much stereotypes.” “And I’ve seen them broken time and again, from my mother to my grandmother to some my friends — they are amazing. They are strong. They are the most loving, persistent, and giving people that I have ever met. They are a source of great respect to me. Sorry, I am getting emotional.
“Yeah. Some of ’em can be groundbreakers. Williams said that they were “just going to places.”
They said that to change the conversation they needed to go beyond the strength of these families and ensure that those with lived experiences are in positions to lead and hold power.
“Their voices — that’s what can guide policies like paid leave… We are talking about housing policies which need to change. Griffin stated that Griffin advocated for raising the national living wage. We need to focus on the policies that directly affect single mothers of color. This is how we can change the narrative.
BOND is now able to carry on the mission that their name represents: Building Our Nation’s Daughters.
