Transforming Lives: The Jeremiah Program’s Impact on Single Mothers in Las Vegas

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 | 2 a.m.

When faced with profound personal loss, Jessica Funderburk turned to the Jeremiah Program Las Vegas, an initiative supporting single mothers in poverty who aspire to pursue higher education. After losing her best friend, grandmother, and mother within two years, Funderburk sought a new support system while juggling the responsibilities of raising her young son.

A Journey of Hope and Transformation

At just 40 years old, Funderburk found herself in a desperate situation. Her acceptance into the Jeremiah Program marked a pivotal moment in her life. Over the subsequent three years, she not only returned to school but also pursued a degree in public administration. Her journey culminated in an internship with Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune’s office, a significant leap in her career ambitions.

Funderburk attributes much of her success to the supportive community fostered by the Jeremiah Program. "I would never have been able to go anywhere, do anything for my son, if it wasn’t for (the Jeremiah Program)," she says. This network of single mothers, all navigating similar paths, provided her with hope and direction.

Foundation of the Jeremiah Program

Founded in 1993 by the Rev. Michael O’Connell, the Jeremiah Program has expanded from its inaugural campus in Minneapolis to over a dozen locations nationwide, including the newly established Las Vegas branch in 2022. Under the leadership of Maria Tucker, the local affiliate has blossomed from a co-working space into a comprehensive facility designed to address the diverse needs of mothers and their children.

The Las Vegas program features amenities such as a toy-filled childcare room, conference rooms, dedicated study spaces, and offices for family coaches, creating a nurturing environment for growth.

Comprehensive Support for Single Mothers

Each mother accepted into the program is paired with a family coach, fostering relationships that evolve alongside their educational journeys. This support encompasses various aspects, including:

• Access to Childcare: Participants can benefit from discounted or emergency childcare services.
• Tuition Assistance: Financial aid for educational pursuits significantly alleviates the burden of college costs.
• Academic Tutoring: Support for children’s education is also a priority, with tutoring services helping improve academic performance.
• 529 College Savings Plans: For each completed semester of college, the program contributes $100 to a 529 college savings plan for participants’ children, emphasizing long-term educational investments.

To date, the program has invested $11,000 in these savings accounts, showcasing its commitment to future generations.

Growing Impact and Community Needs

The Las Vegas Jeremiah Program currently supports 80 mothers, with another 80 awaiting acceptance. According to the group’s 2024 impact report, 276 mothers and children have accessed its initiatives. An impressive 90% of mothers reported that coaching effectively supported their educational goals, while 98% of families receiving tutoring noted marked academic progress.

Nearby, other participants like Chanichi Chanelle Calzo have also benefited from the program’s holistic approach. After a car accident left her struggling, the program provided rideshare assistance for her to attend activities with her two young children. Calzo is now studying applied management while running her own herbal tea business. "It was really meaningful that they did that, so it really is the little things," she reflects.

Addressing the Needs of Single Parents

The program plays a crucial role in the region, especially as single parenthood rises in Clark County. Nearly 55% of births in 2023 were to unmarried women, far exceeding the national average of 38%. This reality indicates a growing need for support systems like the Jeremiah Program.

Single-parent households often face greater risks of emotional and behavioral challenges, along with economic hardships. The high costs of childcare—ranging from $6,552 to $15,600 for daily care—exacerbate the difficulties these families face.

"We are bracing ourselves and also strategically planning," explains Tucker. "It’s so important to lean on each other.” This sentiment underscores the urgency of community support networks during challenging times.

Giving Back to the Community

For those inspired to contribute to this transformative initiative, donations can be made through the Jeremiah Program’s website. Supporting the Las Vegas program directly impacts the lives of single mothers, empowering them to seek education, gain employment, and create brighter futures for their families. Each contribution strengthens the community and nurtures a generation of hopeful, resilient mothers and children.