Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
Mother's Day Walk — May 30th • Euclid Beach • 8am–11am
The Village for Young Mothers CLE
Cleveland, Ohio

No Young Mother
Navigates Alone.

Empowering pregnant and parenting teen mothers through mentorship, education, advocacy, and community-based support — right here in Cuyahoga County.

Get Involved Support Our Village
Mentorship-Led By women with lived experience
Cuyahoga County Serving our community
Opportunity & Stability
Healing-Centered Supports
Empowerment Over Dependency
Community-Rooted Care
Our Purpose

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering pregnant and parenting teen mothers through mentorship, education, advocacy, and community-based support.

"Strengthening maternal well-being, nurturing healthy parent-child relationships, and connecting families to resources that promote long-term stability and generational impact."

Our work is rooted in compassion and the belief that every young mother — and every child — deserves dignity, resources, and the opportunity to build a stable, successful future.

Our Vision

To ensure that no young mother navigates motherhood alone by building a village rooted in compassion, guidance, advocacy, and community support.

In 3–5 Years, We Will Have:

  • A fully established continuum of care — outreach, programming, and services
  • A safe housing solution in place — independent living or group home
  • Recognition as a trusted community anchor in Cuyahoga County
  • Sustainable funding streams and community partnerships
  • Expanded programming serving more young mothers and children
Why We Exist

A Story That Demanded Action

Our founder's mother turned 17 the week before she was born. Her aunt had four children before she was 20. Multiple girls in her high school had to leave because they became pregnant — and many more had to make difficult, life-altering decisions at a very young age.

"I am a witness to the Adverse Childhood Experiences that comes with being raised by a young mother — and also what strength in a village can provide to mothers and children."

These experiences didn't just shape our founder's perspective — they ignited a calling. The Village for Young Mothers CLE was born from personal witness, deep compassion, and an unwavering belief that community, when truly activated, can change the trajectory of generations.

What We Offer

Our Programs & Services

Wraparound support designed to meet young mothers where they are — and walk with them toward where they want to be.

Mentorship Program

Led by women with lived experience as teen moms, our mentorship program pairs each participant with a dedicated mentor who helps them build and execute a personalized life plan.

  • Goal-setting through participant-created life plans
  • Housing assistance and search guidance
  • Step-by-step progress in a defined timeframe
  • Consistent, relationship-based guidance
Apply as Mentee →

Hospital Care Packages

In partnership with local hospitals and clinics, we deliver care packages directly to teen moms after delivery — a tangible reminder that their village is already here.

  • Hygiene & self-care essentials
  • Nutrition & hydration support
  • Emotional & mental wellness resources
  • Guide to local community resources
Donate to Care Packages →

Classes & Workshops

Educational programming designed to equip young mothers with the knowledge and tools to thrive — for themselves and for their children.

  • Child Development Education
  • Maternal Wellness & Mental Health Workshops
  • Life Skills & Stability Training
  • Resource & Community Navigation
Dates coming soon — stay connected
In the Community

Events

We show up, we gather, and we celebrate this village. Our first community event is on the way.

Coming
Soon

Our First Community Event

We're preparing to host our first event — a moment to gather, celebrate, and strengthen the village. Stay tuned for the official date and details. Pending weather-related rescheduling, we can't wait to see you there.

Cleveland, Ohio Community Gathering
Join the Village

Is This For You?

Whether you're a young mother looking for support or a woman ready to give back, there's a place for you here.

For Participants

Who We Serve
  • Under 20 years old at time of enrollment
  • Currently parenting or pregnant
  • Residing in Cuyahoga County
  • Able to maintain respectful communication and follow program expectations
Apply Now →

For Mentors

Who We Welcome
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must pass a background check
  • Lived experience as a teen or young mother
  • Demonstrates emotional maturity, reliability, and professionalism
  • Strong communication skills
  • Passion for supporting young mothers
  • Completion of orientation and training
Become a Mentor →
MySonia Shorter-Little
Founder &
Executive Director
Our Leadership

MySonia Shorter-Little

Founder & Executive Director

A proud child of God, devoted mom, educator, creative, and nonprofit founder with a passion for empowering young women and strengthening families. MySonia is a graduate of Central State University and Savannah College of Art and Design, where she cultivated her love for leadership, creativity, community engagement, and advocacy.

She is a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority — an organization rooted in service, sisterhood, and excellence. Throughout her journey, she has dedicated herself to mentoring youth, supporting families, coordinating educational and community programs, and creating safe spaces where young mothers and their children can thrive.

As the founder of this nonprofit, MySonia's mission is deeply personal. She believes every young mother deserves support, dignity, resources, and the opportunity to build a stable and successful future. Through faith, compassion, education, and community partnership, she strives to create lasting impact and inspire generational change.

Central State University Savannah College of Art & Design Tau Beta Sigma Educator Community Advocate
Our Leadership

Board of Directors

A dedicated team of community leaders committed to our mission and the families we serve.

Board Member 1
Board Member Name
Board Role
Short bio coming soon.
Board Member 2
Board Member Name
Board Role
Short bio coming soon.
Board Member 3
Board Member Name
Board Role
Short bio coming soon.
Board Member 4
Board Member Name
Board Role
Short bio coming soon.

Full board bios will be updated soon. Follow us on @thevillageforyoungmotherscle for updates.

Reach Out

Let's Connect

Have questions about our programs, want to get involved, or looking to partner with us? We'd love to hear from you. No young mother — and no supporter — navigates this alone.

Send Us a Message