Our Story

From Surviving to Serving: The Story Behind the Pickney Foundation

There was a time when I had nothing, not a home, not stability, not even a clear path forward. As a mother of six, I’ve faced homelessness, domestic abuse, and overwhelming loss. For months, I lived in a hotel room with my children, wondering how we’d make it to the next day. That stay was made possible by my aunt, a traveling nurse who happened to be stationed in the state I ran to. I didn’t have a roadmap, only a will to keep going and a deep belief that we were meant for more.

Hitting Rock Bottom

Leaving an abusive marriage meant walking away from everything I owned, my home, furniture, even my car. We started over with nothing but faith. I made countless sacrifices, often going without so my children could have just a little more. I was scared, but I kept showing up. I enrolled in college with no plan, no childcare, and no clue how I’d finish. But I knew I had to.

At one point, back in 2014, my beloved little sister stepped in and kept my children for six months so I could search for a stable living arrangement and continue school. Her support during that season gave me space to breathe and begin rebuilding.

The Turning Point

School became a lifeline. It gave me structure, purpose, and a chance to be more than just a survivor. I met people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Every late-night study session, every paper turned in while nurturing my babies, it all added up. Slowly, I began to rebuild, not just our lives, but my own identity.

A Loss That Lit the Fire

In 2021, I lost my little sister, my best friend, my anchor. Her passing was a pain I wasn’t prepared for. That grief became a weight and a wake-up call. She had poured so much love into me and my children over the years, and her memory became the fuel behind everything I would create next.

Building the Foundation

The Pickney Foundation was born from this journey. I didn’t set out to start a nonprofit. I set out to create what I wish we had: a space where mothers could be seen, supported, and surrounded by care. A space where single moms didn’t have to explain their pain, because it was already understood.

We started with what we had, compassion, lived experience, and a community of people who were tired of seeing mothers left behind. Now, we offer wellness support, financial literacy, and safe spaces that remind mothers they matter.

Our Mission Today

The Pickney Foundation is more than an organization. It’s a movement rooted in love, resilience, and practical support. We uplift single mothers and their families by giving them tools, not just to survive, but to truly thrive. We’re building a village, one act of care at a time.

If you’ve ever wondered how something so strong could rise from so much struggle, this is it.

We’re here because we’ve been there. And now, we’re reaching back.

Want to walk with us as we reach back? 

Support the mission by choosing how you want to get involved: Volunteer, Partner, or Donate!