Phoenix, AZ — Helping Hands for Single Moms will mark a historic milestone with its Celebrate 500 event, honoring the organization’s 500th single mom college graduate and the community partners who made it possible. The event will bring together graduates, supporters, and partners from across Arizona to celebrate the transformative power of education for single mothers and their families.
Since its founding, Helping Hands for Single Moms has equipped low-income single mothers with financial assistance, mentorship, and community support to help them earn degrees, secure careers, and build brighter futures. Reaching 500 graduates represents not only individual success stories, but also a lasting economic and social impact across the region.
The Celebrate 500 event will also honor early and steadfast supporters whose investments fueled the organization’s growth and impact, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Valley of the Sun United Way, Arizona Community Foundation, the Phoenix Suns / Phoenix Mercury Foundation, and former NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
“We’re proud to support Helping Hands for Single Moms and the meaningful impact they make for families across Arizona,” said Paul Penzone, VP, Chief Community Relations Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Over the past 17 years, we’ve seen how that support strengthens mothers, supports children, and lifts the communities they serve.”
Building on that shared commitment to strengthening families and communities, Anna Maria Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, further emphasized the broader, long-term impact of this work: “Helping Hands for Single Moms is transforming lives across Maricopa County by empowering women to pursue education and build lasting family legacies. The Arizona Community Foundation is honored to stand alongside this remarkable organization, and we are grateful to our donors whose generosity is strengthening its future through the Helping Hands for Single Moms Endowment Fund. Celebrating the 500th graduate reminds us of what becomes possible when community and philanthropy unite to create opportunity.”
In recognition of their lasting impact, Carla Vargas Jasa, President and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way, offered the following: “Supporting Helping Hands for Single Moms is deeply meaningful to us at Valley of the Sun United Way. We see firsthand how empowering single mothers through education and career pathways creates lasting change—not just for their families, but for our entire community. Their mission reflects our shared belief that every family deserves the opportunity to build a stable, healthy future. We’re honored to stand alongside them in this important work.”
Attendees will hear powerful stories from graduates, experience a visual celebration of the organization’s journey, and honor the partners who have helped make college completion a reality for hundreds of single mothers.
For more information, visit: https://helpinghandsforsinglemoms.org/home/
About Helping Hands for Single Moms
Helping Hands for Single Moms is a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting low-income single mothers in achieving higher education and financial independence. Through scholarships, financial support, and a strong community network, the organization empowers women to transform their lives and the lives of their children.