[September 11, 2011] The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Clytie Bunyan column Tweet Sep 11, 2011 (The Oklahoman - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- This summer wasn't just a scorcher outside but also on people's pocketbooks. No doubt the prolonged excessively hot temperatures resulted in high heating bills and, according to news reports, homeowners spent a lot of money servicing and replacing cooling units. Such expenses are particularly hard on some segments of the population, including single moms struggling to support their families. A local organization wants to honor single moms who bear the burden not only of being sole breadwinner but also chief disciplinarian, handywoman, cheerleader and any other label that comes with being head of a singe-parent household. The Single Parent Support Network works with local businesses, schools and other organizations to empower single parents, men and women, to help them grow successful families -- and ultimately build strong communities. "We offers support groups, life coaching that covering everything from anger management, to dealing with teens, finding and developing skills and talent in your kids, financial stability and communication, and we're working on an adopt a single-parent family mentoring program," said Rhonda Moraldo, executive director. The organization is accepting nominations for its Queen For A Day event Oct. 1. Moraldo said it's one way small businesses in particular can recognize hardworking single mothers in their companies. Wanda Pratt, Thunder basketball player Kevin Durant's mom, will be among the featured speakers. For more information or to nominate someone, call 917-1817 or log on to www.supportforsingleparents.org. ___ (c)2011 The Oklahoman Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]