In an ideal world, there could be an abundance of simply accessible assets 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 more durable for single mothers — 28% currently live in poverty — who usually have to leap via a number of hoops to obtain help. It is a feat that may really feel insurmountable whenever you’re already residing in disaster mode.
Jaycina Almond understands this on a deeply private degree.
When she acquired pregnant at 20, she noticed firsthand how difficult it could possibly be to make it by yourself as a mom and to get assist whenever you want it. As a substitute 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 purple tape). To that finish, the mannequin mother fashioned The Tender Basis, a transformative non-profit that emphasizes accessibility, group, and help with out disgrace or stigma. Mothers merely have to fill out a simple form and, as soon as authorized, can obtain assist in the type of emergency invoice pay, grocery retailer present playing cards, diapers, and different requirements.
In the present day, Almond is being acknowledged for the extremely vital work she’s doing, tapped as the newest Honoree in Adidas’ Honoring Black Excellence (HBE) initiative. To spotlight her affect, the model debuted a strong brief movie that shares Almond’s story. The movie, says the model, explores “the often-overlooked energy and resilience of Black moms, amplifying their voices and difficult stereotypes.”
As a part of the collaboration, Adidas can 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 once we lately acquired the chance to ask her about her life-changing work, being a single mother herself, and what wants to alter to really 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 at all times extra you are feeling like you may be and must be doing. I wish to ensure 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 the whole lot we’ve been in a position to accomplish, how my group and my village are the oldsters who made it potential for me to be the place I’m in the present day. I’m a Black woman from Kentucky who acquired 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 choice that speaks volumes in regards to the model’s values.
SM: It’s really heartbreaking to learn that 28% of single moms stay 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 spend money on what they want, from housing to maintaining the fridge stocked, and the whole lot 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 components 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 yr… no strings hooked up.
We really do consider in trust-based options which are rooted in dignity. I consider, before everything, 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 people mismanage their cash, that poor people are much less deserving, simply didn’t work arduous sufficient, and that single moms are irresponsible, and so on. If we proceed to let this be the narrative, will probably be arduous to enact change at a coverage degree — and that’s the place change must occur. Insurance policies that assist essentially the most marginalized households can even profit all households.
SM: What thought patterns have you ever overcome personally, and in what methods do you try every single day to redefine Black motherhood?
JA: I positively struggled with the stigma hooked up to being a younger, Black single mother rather a lot when my daughter was youthful. I spotted, although, that no matter individuals considered me mentioned much more about them than me, and on the finish of the day, why did I care a lot about individuals 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 individuals on Instagram thought?
I additionally assume that stigma is compounded whenever 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 shall be many after me. I simply attempt to do my greatest for my woman every single day.
SM: Black ladies accomplish that a lot for all of us: Not solely within the bigger contributions to society but additionally in how society seems to Black ladies for consolation (the internet’s “aunties”) and energy (at the polls and in politics, for instance). That assist clearly isn’t at all times reciprocated. It might be unfair to ask you to coach us on how we are able to higher assist Black ladies and Black mothers particularly, however what are your private hopes for the longer term on this regard?
JA: Thanks — I actually respect 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 really 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 going through the next danger throughout labor and supply. The place Black mothers have equal entry to the assets they should stay full, flourishing lives. I would like the whole lot 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 kids?
JA: I so perceive this. One factor that myself and our complete Tender staff fall again on is that certainly one of our core values and pillars is generosity. So there’s at all times this inner intestine test or a strategy to problem one another’s selections by asking, “Is that this beneficiant?” It’s a follow that has infiltrated my private relationship with cash as properly.
And to be utterly clear, a few of our mamas solely want just a little assist alongside the way in which, and a few of our mamas are caught within the hamster wheel of poverty. Like, it really 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 desires to attempt to assist single mothers of their group however is not positive methods to begin or greatest contribute to a nonprofit?
JA: Actually, simply do it! Begin someplace. If there’s someone or a corporation already doing the work you consider in, bounce in … shoot an electronic mail providing assist or arrange a name. If you wish to do your personal factor, identical — simply begin and title your intentions publicly so your group can assist.
SM: Individuals might be so, so arduous on mothers. What are a number of the methods individuals choose mothers (and particularly single mothers) that you simply actually want would change?
JA: I feel 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 mother and father. That by some means single motherhood is inferior to the nuclear household. That single mamas made the “fallacious” alternative of associate. I imply, the checklist goes on.
SM: I’ve lengthy beloved Adidas, and now I really like them much more. How vital is it to assist manufacturers that assist ladies?
JA: It’s actually significant, particularly in instances when assist for ladies and households can really feel unsure. Having allies and group issues. I at all times inform my daughter: Know what you stand for and don’t waver from that. So, when a model takes motion that aligns together 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 flippantly edited for readability.
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