According to a press release, research indicates there are about a thousand single parent households in Charlotte County. 

“That is about 20 percent of our community’s households. Some are never-married single parents, some are single by divorce, some of these parents have lost their spouse to death and some are shouldering parenting responsibilities solo because their spouse is not living in the home,” officials said in the release. “Regardless of the reason, single parenting is hard work.  It can also be discouraging.”

Drakes Branch Baptist Church, according to a press release, is launching a new ministry aimed at giving its neighbors practical help and hope. 

According to Pastor David Stockment, the new pastor at Drakes Branch Baptist Church, the new Single and Parenting Ministry will be a support group where single parents can meet and find encouragement for their challenging and important role as a single parent. 

“This support group will meet weekly in a home in Drakes Branch on Monday evenings, from 6:30-8 p.m. Pastor Stockment says the new ministry will launch on Sept. 11 and run for 14 weeks and those curious about the support group should call the church office (434)568-4021) 4:30-7 p.m. Monday- Thursday for more information and preregistration,” officials said in the press release. “There will be a $10 registration fee and scholarships will be available if needed.”

The weekly support group sessions will include video seminars with leading authors, counselors, speakers and pastors with years of expertise in helping single parents. “Over 30 experts will be contributing in the video seminars.  The weekly sessions will also include a personal workbook and group discussion on the topics being covered,” officials said in the press release.