Episode 46: “All you’ve seen is not ALL there is” with Guest Margaret Cowan

Welcome back to the YFO podcast! Today, we have Margaret Cowan joining us to talk about her organization: I Am My Sister’s Keeper, which helps single mothers in the Memphis area that need a village and support system, through weekly meetings, monthly outings, quarterly events, and more! Margaret tells us about her experience as a single mom and how you just need the space to exhale, talk to other moms, and take care of yourself. She believes that when you’re better as a mom, you can raise better kids and parent better, which then expands to improving your community.

BJ and Margaret talk about single Black & Brown mothers during this moment, specifically when navigating interactions with police and figuring out how to keep their kids safe from gun violence and out of the judicial system. They share their personal experiences with the police and how treating each other with respect can improve the situation and emotions on both sides of the interaction.

Margaret tells us more about the expectations of the participants in her organization and how she holds them accountable to show up, be responsible, and do the internal work. Not everyone is ready - some just want the tangible, free stuff - so they have guidelines to manage that, especially for those receiving financial support. She also shares her “why” for doing this work, what motivates her to keep going, and a success story from women she’s worked with in her organization.

 

Learn more & donate to I Am My Sisters Keeper

Instagram, Facebook

 

More about Margaret Cowan:

Margaret Cowan is the Founding Keeper of I Am My Sister's Keeper (IAMSK), which originated in 2018. She is the single mother of three amazing young ladies, Cayden Danae (22), Camryn Dechele (19), and Camaya Denyce (18). Margaret completed her Associate's degree in 2020 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Nonprofit Management at the University of Memphis. She graduates on December 11, 2022. Margaret recognizes the importance of community in the life of a single mom. Her mission is to create a village in which single moms live and support each other. It is her desire to use her God-given gifts and abilities, along with her lifelong lessons, to own a neighborhood full of homes occupied by single moms. In order to obtain a paid position and prepare for a successful future for IAMSK, Margaret has completed a variety of training events and classes. She is most proud of her completion of the Executive Director Bootcamp led by Momentum Nonprofit Partners, "Before You Ask" by the Assisi Foundation, and Fundraising-Continuing Education Program led by the University of Memphis. Margaret enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She understands people, never meets a stranger, and is always willing to lend a helping hand.