NORCO — Assistance for Single Parents, a St. Charles-based nonprofit that also serves St. John the Baptist Parish, is collecting items for its Back To School Uniform Giveaway and Drive, which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon June 25.

Registration for the event opened this month.

Organizers ask those in the community who can to begin saving their “gently used” school uniforms, backpacks, belts and accessories.

For more information on how to donate or receive help, call 985-233-1173 or email AssistanceForSingleParents@gmail.com.

Organizers recently told L’OBSERVATEUR that a grant from St. John United Way has allowed Assistance for Single Parents to offer services to single parents in St. John Parish.

The nonprofit organization is comprised of working single parents with a goal to provide a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” through coming together and sharing resources, support, services, fellowship and fun.

The organization’s primary focus, as stated on assistanceforsingleparents.org, is improving the overall health and well-being of children. “Help a child…Assist A Single Parent,” is a motto.

However, the group’s programs are geared toward assisting and empowering the working single parent, because the struggles and challenges they face daily undoubtedly impact their children.

Assistance for Single Parents partnered last month with the LA Workforce Commission, St. Charles Parish Department of Community Services and St. Charles Parish Adult Education to host “Reboot Your Power – Power Up For Successful Employment.”

The successful event was open to all single parents to provide resources for successful employment opportunities or promotions, enhancing job skills and the importance of job performance.

Refurbished computers, donated by Valero Energy Foundation and Norco Manufacturing Complex, were given out, as well as “gently used” work attire to all participants at the completion of the seminar.

“The seminar offered valuable information and encouragement for our single parents. Many of the participants probably came just to receive their free computer but left pleased with so much more,” said Debra Rieder, Assistance For Single Parent’s executive director.

“We want single parents to be emotionally and financially secure, as they are the role model and oftentimes-sole provider for their children.   AFSP’s true passion is the health and wellbeing of children of single parents. However, we have learned, the best way to assist the child, is to assist their parent.”

The seminar offered informative sessions from each of the partner agencies, and other key business professionals.

Nicole Day from the Covenant Church, a one time single parent herself, was the keynote speaker. She shared about the difficulties and challenges of single parenting.

Tommy Scott from the La Workforce Commission spoke about the employment services his office offers and the importance of a well-written résumé, good communication skills, work ethic and having a professional demeanor.

Kisha Calix, with Confidential Coaching and Consulting, shared her own current single parenting challenges and those of her mother while she was growing up.

She concluded her session saying “no matter where you are, or how challenging life seems to be right now, having a good work ethic is always the answer to success.”

Kristen Barney with Bayou Steel conducted a session empowering the participants to challenge themselves and not limit their employment thinking.

She and volunteer Shelley Keller then went on to create mock interviews with all of the “Do’s and Don’ts” for successful hiring.

Bonnie White and Ferdneit Bailey with St. Charles Department of Community Services discussed the importance of a positive work attitude and your appearance. They also showed samples of appropriate interview and work attire.