Nonprofit Honors Single Mothers' Graduations at Vibrant Las Vegas Celebration

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A local program celebrated Las Vegas single mothers’ graduations Saturday, aiming to disrupt the cycle of poverty for them and their children.

The event featured mothers like Janiesha Phillips, who graduated with her second associate’s degree from the College of Southern Nevada. Phillips, a mother of two, plans to continue her education and complete her bachelor’s degree in two years.

“I’m utilizing every effort that I can and every support system that I can to pursue my education,” said Phillips, emphasizing the importance of continuing her educational journey.

Maria Tucker, executive director of the Jeremiah Program, expressed her belief in the success of the mothers, stating, “I feel it in my bones that their success is really possible.”

The Jeremiah Program, a nonprofit organization, aims to disrupt the cycle of poverty by supporting single mothers and their children through education and empowerment. The program operates in multiple cities, including Las Vegas, Boston, Brooklyn, and several locations in Minnesota.

Tucker, who was once a young, single mother herself, leads the program with a focus on helping mothers invest in themselves and their children’s futures.

“It’s exciting when I’m watching them want to invest in themselves and bet on themselves and their kids,” Tucker said.

The program expects to see an increase in the number of graduates next year, with plans for 14 more mothers to receive diplomas in Las Vegas alone.

The graduation event highlights the Jeremiah Program’s commitment to empowering single mothers through education, with expectations of growing success in the coming years.

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