On Tuesday, March 25, 30 moms from the Champaign-Urbana area traveled to Chicago to participate in the audience for the filming of an episode of Oprah Winfrey’s show, “Oprah Prime”. The moms were connected to In His Hands Single Mom Ministry and The Hope Center’s Community Care program at The Vineyard Church in Urbana. Tune in to the Oprah Winfrey Network on Sunday, March 30 at 8 p.m. to see the show!
We spoke with Angela Lingard, Director of the Single Mom Ministry, to learn about their experience:
When did you first learn about the opportunity to be in the audience of Oprah Prime?
Just last Thursday. It’s been a busy few days!
What were the first things that went through your mind?
It was surreal. And I was just so grateful for the opportunity for these moms. So many of them never leave Champaign-Urbana, so getting to go to Chicago for the day to feel connected and have this experience with other women was amazing.
Upon arrival, your day began by watching Maria Shriver’s documentary, “Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert”. What did you think upon watching this portrayal of a single mother’s life?
That’s so my life. I could have been the one in this documentary. There were so many similarities, like Katrina waiting to get her medications with her tax refund, and me waiting for my tax refund so I can get new glasses. Life is constantly go, go go and at the end of the day, there’s no one to share the responsibilities with.
What were some takeaways from what Oprah and Maria Shriver discussed on the show?
The face of the poor has changed. They said, looking out at the audience, you wouldn’t know these women struggle financially. They also said we shouldn’t feel guilty about treating ourselves to something special occasionally even if we are struggling paying for the necessities.
What are some of the issues single moms here in Champaign-Urbana face daily?
Quality, affordable childcare is one of them. In the film, Katrina had access to a center with 24-hour childcare. Many low-income people aren’t going to work an 8-5 job so finding childcare to fit their hours is difficult. Another issue is support. So many of these women come from families where they have struggled financially for generations. Many of their parents have to continue working and are unable to provide as much support with their grandchildren as wealthier families may provide.
By building a support network, you give the women a chance to share what they are going through. You provide an opportunity for the women to step away from their struggles long enough to recognize that they are not alone.
What does In His Hands Single Mom Ministry offer for moms in our community?
Women that come for the first time often feel like they’re alone. The reality is we’re all facing some of the same struggles. Our ministry is a place for them to come and feel like part of a family. Our trip this week really helped to seal the deal in knowing we have deep relationships with one another where we can be real, share our praises, encourage each other and grow.
It is important for single moms to know their self-value, knowing they have something to contribute. It may be time, or things they can donate to others through coupon efforts, or simply just sharing their experience with someone else so they know that they’re not alone. We share that it’s okay to be broken and to take off our masks, and once we expose that, we can let it go and look forward to a brighter future. In addition to the community aspect, we also offer childcare and dinner for our children while we meet. The mothers share a potluck dinner, hear from a speaker, have a short time of worship, and an opportunity for discussion and prayer.
So when do we get the chance to see the show?
It will air this Sunday at 8 p.m. on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Be sure to tune in!