Please join Liz Solms, Mess Arts board president, for an intimate evening in her Lower Garden District home to commemorate the launch of the Mess Arts Single parent Fund: a Scholarship fund supporting and empowering single working parents through Mess Arts arts enrichment, childcare, and community support.
A letter from Chenae- the parent who inspired this fund:
As a single working mother, navigating the demands of a career while raising a child on my own can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between balancing work responsibilities, managing a household, and ensuring that my daughter receives the enrichment she needs, there are days when I wonder how it’s all possible.
That’s why Mess Arts has been such a lifeline for me. Their camps and afterschool events, all rooted in creativity and art, have not only provided my daughter with a space to explore and express herself, but they’ve also given me peace of mind. Knowing she is in a safe, nurturing environment where her imagination can thrive has allowed me to focus on my work and continue pursuing my career goals, something that might otherwise be much harder to achieve.
The reality is that for many single working parents, access to affordable and meaningful programs for their children is a critical need. We often don’t have the luxury of endless time or resources to ensure our kids have the extracurricular experiences that are vital for their development. Organizations like Mess Arts make it possible for parents like me to keep moving forward—knowing our children are not just being cared for but are growing in ways that will benefit them for years to come.
I am grateful for the support Mess Arts has provided, and it’s my hope that other organizations and businesses will follow their example. Supporting single parents is more than a gesture of kindness; it’s an investment in the future of our children and our communities. Together, we can create a world where single parents don’t have to choose between advancing their careers and providing enriching experiences for their children.
To every organization considering how they can help, know that the smallest gesture can have the most significant impact.
With gratitude,
Chenae Graves