Power of One + Power of Community
To connect with the Power of One: Single Moms Network, contact Jill Sockwell through the links above.
To support Lia (our coffee host), please consider donating to her NYC production of “The Lucky Ones!”
Single Parent Focused Coffee Chat
Meredith and Lia have been friends since 2021, when Meredith moved to Maplewood and answered Lia’s post looking to connect with likeminded theatre people. Their SOMA friendship and their kids’ playdates became a frequent bright spot in their navigation of motherhood. In July, 2025, when Meredith shared that she was running for the SOMSD Board of Education, Lia suggested connecting with Power of One founder Jill Sockwell.
Jill Sockwell began the Power of One: Single Moms Network with one meeting on March 19th 2013. Twelve years later, it has connected over 600 single moms* in South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Summit, but mostly residing in the two towns. Lia opened her home on Monday September 22nd to host these incredible parents and their children.
The Listen Learn Lead slate provided childcare so parents could attend in person and bring their littles ❤️ so they wouldn’t have to face childcare costs, while also circulating a form that allowed for any single mom* in the two towns to anonymously share their district experience and concerns. This way every voice could be heard, whether present or not.
The room felt heavy—not only because of single parenthood, but because parents shared that no one in the district has ever asked the demographic of single parents: “How are you doing? What do you need? How can we help?”
They spoke of systemic barriers within the District and life challenges in SOMA:
Platform limitations (“one address” rules, one email “norms”)
Limited transportation (multiple homes)
There is a discussion happening in the Maplewood Moms group around teen travel in the two towns. CLICK HERE to read the thread and connect.
Outdated traditions (one photocopy of resources at BTS Night, one family photo)
Long work hours (EG: commuting to and from the city for work)
Childcare (cancelling before care, limited after care due to space and cost)
Equitable access to services and caregiver communication
While children laughed and played downstairs, we listened to stories, brainstormed solutions, and imagined stronger connections between district, township, and community. Each has its limits, but by working together, we can build the kind of community that supports every family.
This conversation was a reminder of what’s possible when we center community voices. These issues deserve attention and action and we’re committed to listening, learning, and leading, so no family is left out of the future. 💙✏️📚
