In 2001, we came together to launch this program with a small group of single parents who were living in poverty and striving to become self-reliant. We recognized the most immediate and persistent barrier was the chronic lack of healthy, nutritious food in everyone's homes.

In response to this urgent need, we formed UsMoms (United Single Mothers Organic Market Support). The purpose of UsMoms was to unite the talents, skills, and ambitions of single parents experiencing food insecurity and channel them into a coordinated effort to bring wholesome food into people's households.

​

We began securing donations of fresh, nutritious, and organic food from local businesses. Each week, our volunteers drove throughout the community collecting donated items, then gathered to assemble food bins for distribution to families in need.

​

As demand increased, so did the need for space to assemble the bins. Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House generously provided a room in their community center once a week so families could prepare and distribute the food. As word spread and participation grew, it became clear that additional structure and funding were needed to sustain the program. We were encouraged to register as a non-profit organization in order to apply for grants and formal support. As a result, UsMoms Community Projects Society was established.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

During 2001–2002, we focused exclusively on sourcing highly nutritious food donations and distributing hundreds of food boxes each week, free of charge, to single-parent families. Parent volunteers quickly became highly organized and efficient in packing and distributing large volumes of food.

​

In 2003, we expanded our efforts beyond food distribution. Workshops were introduced to help parents develop a strong work ethic and gain practical skills for succeeding as working single parents. Homegrown Heroes was created to provide programs specifically for children, focusing on character development and equipping them with foundational skills for becoming self-reliant adults. These programs also taught the children how to garden and grow their own food which provided a sense of security that allowed these children to see ways of helping their families without committing crimes. Theft to get enough food for their household was the "normal" for many of these children. We were determined to help families break the cycle of poverty within their generation. In 2002, we received a grant from the Margaret Mitchell Fund to support the development of these workshops. Around this time, Homegrown Heroes was created to further invest in the children and their futures.

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

 

​By 2003–2004, we identified that hundreds of families on our roster were survivors of family violence who had been forced to leave their homes, belongings, and often their employment in order to be safe. These were known as “Transition Families.” To support them, we began providing free clothing, household goods, furniture, and personal necessities to help families rebuild their lives.

​

During this same period of growth, the City of Vancouver recognized the effectiveness and expanding impact of the work we were doing with UsMoms and provided us with the use of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse facility. The City granted rent reprieve while UsMoms worked to build out and develop the internal spaces necessary to operate and expand its programs.

​

In response, we developed and organized a comprehensive community plan for the facility. The vision included inviting businesses to open and operate within designated spaces inside the warehouse, creating a collaborative model that would help offset rental costs and support the ongoing expenses associated with running and expanding programs. These programs included food preparation training, self-reliance and employment readiness training, the local Good Food Box program, youth initiatives, and large-scale community events.

​

To strengthen food security operations, we also received a $42,000 grant to install large walk-in coolers and freezers within the warehouse. This critical infrastructure significantly improved food storage capacity, allowed for more frequent and higher-quality food collection, and ensured better preservation and distribution of nutritious food to families.

​

During 2003–2004, Executive Director Karen Sabourin worked alongside key community members, including local organizations, government representatives, and other leaders, to form the Food Policy Task Force. This collaborative effort led to the establishment of the Vancouver Food Policy Council.

​

As a result of the effectiveness and reach of our programs, UsMoms received several prestigious community awards and significant positive media coverage. We developed a strong reputation among agencies, ministries, and private societies as a trusted and reliable referral partner. Within just four years of determined effort and compassion, we grew to support nearly 1,000 families by February 1, 2005, and expanded to 2,500 families on our roster by February 1, 2006.

 

Recognizing the profound trauma experienced by many of the children, we committed to minimizing their losses and restoring a sense of stability. We provided toys, books, games, school supplies, and other essentials to help children regain a sense of normalcy and hope. Over time, we became a trusted “safe place” where families could begin rebuilding their lives and developing a lasting sense of self-reliance—one that could not be taken away by family violence.