Community Corner
Parents Without Partners Marks Golden Anniversary
Local organization helps people conquer the challenges of raising kids alone.
It can be tough being a single parent—not just because of the obvious challenges of caring for children, but also because of the difficulties of finding the friendship and support of people who understand your situation.
The Ann Arbor chapter of Parents Without Partners has been helping single parents cope for 50 years.
The organization will celebrate its golden anniversary with a party on May 7 at the Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor.
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The evening will kick off with a 7 p.m. alumni reception for current and former members, followed by a golden anniversary gala dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with doors thrown open to the public.
Admission is $5, with past presidents of the chapter admitted free. The event includes light refreshments, a cash bar and music.
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The PWP dances are one of the main attractions for Dexter-area resident Christopher Wolken.
“I really enjoy the dances they offer,” he said. “When you’re a new member, they make sure you’re always on the dance floor. It’s definitely a boost to a person’s self-confidence, and it’s great exercise, too.
“When I’m not dancing I enjoy speaking with other members on how they got through their divorce or separation and how they are coping with being a single parent. They always have great advice,” Wolken said.
Divorced and with a young daughter, Wolken said it can be difficult being a single parent and that PWP has been an excellent support group.
“They offer great ideas on activities that my daughter, Grace, and I can do over the weekend,” he said.
Whitmore Lake resident Harriet West, who joined PWP in 1984 after her divorce left her raising her teenage daughter alone, wanted to find adult friends and activities instead of staying home with only a television for company.
“I went to an event and immediately felt at ease and liked the people who belonged to the chapter,” she said.
A teacher with the prospect of a long, lonely summer stretching ahead of her, West found PWP events filled the weeks with fun activities, including a camping weekend that continues to be an annual family favorite.
“The new friends became like a second family to me, and members are always there to support each other through good and bad,” she said. “Even though my immediate family lives close, I still feel PWP is family and will always be there for me.”
The PYP board includes Whitmore Lake resident Laura Lee (director of parent activities), Dexter residents Lou Farah and Harvey Stoll (newsletter editor and treasurer), Ann Arbor resident Linda Bukovac (vice president of administration), Monroe resident Jan Evanski (vice president of membership), Ypsilanti resident Lois Crawford (vice president of public relations), Brighton resident Ed Parish (vice president of family and youth) and Nancy Beck of Hamburg (secretary).
PWP also offers leadership training and educational workshops, as well as participation in fundraising events for nonprofits such as Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army.
For more information, visit www.aapwp.org or call 734-578-3664. Interested single parents can attend an orientation session held at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of each month at the Grotto Club, followed by the regular member meeting and dance.