Providing a path forward for single mothers

WGCU | By WGCU News,

Mike Walcher

Published January 7, 2026 at 5:53 AM EST

There is a trend happening throughout Florida: a rise in single-parent homes. According to America First Policy Institute, roughly 38% of children live with a single parent and over 80% of those households are headed by a mother.

In Southwest Florida, one nonprofit is celebrating 25 years of helping single teenage mothers and their children. WGCU’s Mike Walcher has the story.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.

More from WGCU

Environment

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve to temporarily close for habitat enhancement project

WGCU Staff

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, 11901 Rod and Gun Club Road, Fort Myers, temporarily will be closed to public use from Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, for a habitat enhancement project.
Environment

Introduction to Nine-banded Armadillos

Dr. Jerry Jackson

Armadillos are mammals with no close relatives and a fossil record that dates back millions of years.All are well-protected above by stout plates and scale-like structures but with narrow bands on the back that allow them to quickly curl up to protect their underside. They have many peg-like teeth that are continuously growing, and no teeth at the front of the mouth. Thus you don’t need to worry about being bitten.An armadillo’s legs are very strong and they are master diggers -- especially in sandy soils. They dig to find food and also to make shallow burrows where they shelter during hot days. They are somewhat gregarious and active mostly at night. Yes, they may dig holes in your yard, but the holes tend to be shallow and a cheap price to pay for an evening of watching them greatly reduce harmful insect populations-- and then they are likely to move on.
Science/Tech

FGCU student's virtual underwater experience brings the deep to the shore

Chloe Walker

Students and faculty at FGCU got a firsthand look at the future of scientific diving recently, as a new virtual reality experience transformed underwater research into something anyone can explore.

Accessibility Note

Providing a path forward for single mothers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning