By Sherra Johnston (Estimated reading time: 2 minutes)
In 2022, I found out I was going to be a parent—and I was overjoyed. At the time, I was approaching 40 and wasn’t sure if having a child would be part of my life path. Shortly after that incredible news, I also came to realize I would likely be navigating this journey as a single parent.
I wasn’t sure what to expect—but what surprised me most was finding out I was having a boy. For some reason, imagining myself as a single mom to a son felt like uncharted territory. That thought brought both excitement and uncertainty.
I was still relatively new to Seattle, having lived here just over a year, and only beginning to build a sense of community. It felt like I had a long way to go before I’d feel truly rooted.
A few friends told me about PEPS and said, “It’s what all new parents in Seattle join.” So, I signed up. Pregnancy brought with it a series of steps and preparations, and joining PEPS felt like one of those important milestones to check off.
As any new parent will tell you, the early weeks with a newborn can be a whirlwind—filled with endless diaper changes, sleep-deprived nights, and moments where surviving feels like the only goal. So, when I heard that PEPS was starting a Single Parents Group, I didn’t hesitate. I knew I wanted to connect with others who were walking a similar path.
What I found in that group far exceeded my expectations.
Being surrounded by other single parents felt like a gift. We shared our unique birth stories, our plans and hacks for navigating life solo, and the areas where we were both thriving and struggling. There was something incredibly validating and healing about being in a space where any stigma around single parenthood melted away.
I learned that nearly 30% of households with children in Washington State are single-parent households. That’s not a small number—it’s a powerful reminder that our experiences are more common than we sometimes realize, and that our needs and voices matter in shaping the communities and services around us.
Through the weeks our group met, I grew stronger and more confident as a mom. We weren’t just surviving—we were sharing, problem-solving, and supporting each other with honesty and care. There was no judgment, only encouragement. And anytime I felt overwhelmed, I could reflect on the resilience and creativity of the other parents in my group. I wasn’t alone.
PEPS gave me a village I didn’t know I needed, and in the Single Parents Group, I found solidarity, strength, and lifelong connections.
Are you a single parent to a child under 12 months or do you know someone who is? Sign up for a PEPS Single Parents Group to access support, community, and solidarity.
About the Author
Sherra Johnston is an Operational Leader with the City of Seattle, with a background in systems modernization and cross-sector collaboration. She volunteers with Sustainable Ballard and Seattle Parks and Recreation and is passionate about supporting single mothers and women entrepreneurs. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her son, Graham, and their two dogs, Alfie and Oscar.
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