All Single Parents Are Welcome!

The problems are many in bringing up our children alone, contending with the emotional conflicts of divorce, never married, separation or widowhood. PWP Inc. is the only international organization that provides real help in the way of discussions, professional speakers, study groups, publications and social activities for families and adults. Through the exchange of ideas and companionship, we hope to further our common welfare and the well being of our children.

Mission Statement

Parents Without Partners provides single parents and their children with an opportunity for enhancing personal growth, self-confidence and sensitivity towards others by offering an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques. For the minor children of single parents, it offers them the opportunity to meet peers living within the same family structure and thriving. No more standing out in the crowd or feeling isolated because they are part of the single parent family.

History of the Organization

Parents Without Partners was founded in 1957 in New York City by two single parents: Jim Egleston, a non-custodial parent, and Jacqueline Bernard, a custodial parent. As concerned parents, they felt isolated from society because of their marital status, and decided to form a mutual support organization. Following their first newspaper advertisements directed to "Parents Without Partners”, 25 single parents attended the first meeting in a Greenwich Village church basement. Later, media attention brought inquiries from all over the country.

Parents Without Partners, Inc. is now the largest international, nonprofit membership organization devoted to the welfare and interests of single parents and their children. Single parents may join one of the many chapters around the US and Canada; they may be male or female, custodial or non-custodial, separated, divorced, widowed or never married. The member-at-large membership is offered to any qualified individual. See our "How to Join Page” for more information on types of membership.

Brief Facts About Parents Without Partners, Inc.

• Thousands of members in the United States and Canada.
  
  
• Gender ratios vary chapter to chapter and their demographics.
  
  
• Members’ ages range from 18 to 80.
  
  
• Custody or ages of the child(ren) is not a factor.
  
  
• Approximately 85% of the membership is separated or divorced.
  
  
• Never-married members are under-represented in PWP compared to national statistics.
  
  
• Widowed parent membership is comparable to national statistics.
  
  
• PWP members are typical middle-class North Americans. They come from all walks of life, representing a kaleidoscope of occupations, interests and educational attainment.
  
  
• Some PWP members have only recently become single parents, while others have been single for some time. Some have young children, others have grown children, and some are grandparents raising grandchildren. Some members are sophisticated, while others have led sheltered lives. All are in a process of transition and change, and seek help from PWP.
  
  
• PWP members are of all faiths and political beliefs.
  
  
• All chapter members are verified as being single parents by being sponsored by current members or through a verification process by professionals in the community.