OUR MISSION
Women and Allies’ (WANDA) mission is to advance socioeconomic mobility for striving single mothers.
OUR VISION
To secure generational economic justice and equity for single mother families.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that single mothers in the Bay Area, one of the wealthiest regions in California and the US face unique challenges, including juggling multiple jobs, high living costs, and the pressure of an inflexible, specialized job market dominated by the tech industry.
We believe these compounding challenges require adaptable, tailored interventions to empower single mothers to overcome them effectively.
We believe that supporting change requires a commitment over time and a multi-faceted approach.
We believe in the confidence-success cycle, where confidence drives action, action leads to success, and success creates confidence, creating positive forward momentum that sets a precedent for the next generation.
We believe in WANDA’s relevance in the social sector, tenured history, and programmatic success elevates the collective economic justice work of community partners in service of single mother families.
WANDA has given me an opportunity to grow in a way I never thought I would financially, personally, and professionally. It gave me the courage to open a savings account that I never had before. Being a single mother and the only provider, it’s tough, and you need someone like WANDA to say “Sí se puede,” Yes you can!
Teri, Cohort 14
Our Values
Empowerment
We empower our single mothers by providing them with the tools, support, and confidence to take control of their lives and futures. We equip them with the resources they need to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and advocate for themselves and their families, ultimately empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their goals.
Connection
We foster a strong sense of community and belonging among our single mothers by creating spaces where they can connect with each other, share experiences, offer support, and inspire each other. Through these connections, they can find strength, solidarity, and a network of allies who understand their journey and are there to uplift and empower them every step of the way.
Collaboration
We work with single mothers as partners in their journey towards upward socioeconomic mobility, supporting the co-creation of solutions, leveraging their unique strengths and insights, and collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to address systemic barriers and create opportunities for collective advancement. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their contributions are valued.
Confidence (Success Style)
Confidence within the success cycle is about instilling in our single mothers a belief in their own abilities, capacity, and potential to create positive change in their lives. It’s about celebrating their successes and empowering them to overcome setbacks with resilience and determination.
Calculated Risk Taking
We encourage our single mothers to step outside of their comfort zones and pursue opportunities for growth and advancement, while also providing them with the guidance and support they need to make informed decisions. We help them to identify and evaluate risks, weigh potential rewards, and develop strategies to mitigate challenges. We foster goal setting and accountability, empowering them to seize opportunities, explore new pathways, and achieve their aspirations with confidence and resilience.
