This organization is going viral for offering a free, one-week ‘rest’ for single moms
oldknittingfactory/ Instagram
The application deadline is April 4.
From bearing the mental load to acting as your family’s CEO, moms do it all. And sometimes (who are we kidding, it’s most of the time) it’s with little to no time for rest. But, one organization is hoping to change that.
The Old Knitting Factory is offering a free, one-week stay in their residency space for single moms. They are also offering a cash stipend to be used for childcare costs. We all know that finding reliable childcare can be a hassle but the cost of childcare is a whole other beast, so the organization is giving moms the option to come with or without their children.
“You’ll have use of our residency space for any week of your choosing, and you are welcome to bring your children or not, as best suits your needs,” their website states. “The space features a double bed, fold-out single bed, futon, and pack-and-play crib. The resident will receive a €250 cash stipend toward childcare costs, to use at your discretion.”
Single mothers and other twice-marginalized single parents from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply. The organization defines a single parent as: “Divorced, separated, widowed, foster parents, guardians, and single parents by choice.” But they also accept anyone who parents without an active partner in the majority of their daily life. They define a twice-marginalized parent as someone who faces systemic marginalization.
Travel costs are not included in this free retreat for single moms but the posting says they will share a travel fundraiser for the winning applicant.
Anyone interested in applying must submit an application for themself. Nominations from other people will not be accepted on your behalf. You simply email oldknittingfactory@gmail.com with a small paragraph (up to 500 words) detailing how this week of rest would be beneficial to you and your children, whether they come with you or not.
Betsy Cornwall, a bestselling author and single mom, is the driving force behind turning The Old Knitting Factory into a “childcare-inclusive arts retreat space” for single parent artists. This year marks the second time that the knitting factory will host a single mother retreat. They may not be featured on Airbnb’s OMG list of places to stay but you can book a stay at the knitting factory through Airbnb.
Due to the overwhelming demand, the organization moved the deadline up from the original end of April date to April 4, 2023.
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