We can all agree that being a mom can be challenging at times, but for single moms, those times can be even more difficult if you don’t have support. That’s what drew Nicole Guzzardi to start the S.M.A.R.T. (Single Moms All Rise Together) Foundation when she became a single mom to three kids in her 20s and realized the resources and community for single moms were limited. Today, the S.M.A.R.T. Foundation is a non-profit providing essential resources like food, clothing, and other necessities for single moms and their kids going through tough times. Read on for more about how this non-profit has helped so many and how you can help further their mission. (featured photo credit: S.M.A.R.T Foundation)

The S.M.A.R.T Foundation

smart foundation car nj mom — *Nicole Guzzardi, the founder and president of The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation. Photo Credit: The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation*

Making sure no single mom goes unnoticed

When Nicole Guzardi was in her 20s and going through a divorce, she felt that the resources and community for single moms were non-existent. “My best friend and I often discussed how we wished there were a community of women experiencing the same hurdles. There was a need for a single-mom community,” she says. To that end, she started the foundation with other single moms on her board of directors to ensure that no single mom and her child have to go without the vital support they deserve. Today, the S.M.A.R.T. Foundation serves as a valuable resource for single mothers by assisting in finding child care, transportation, education, job opportunities, and the essentials they need for everyday living. They believe in empowering single mothers to access the aid they need to thrive and provide for their children. “My two favorite sayings are ‘It’s never too late to start over and chase your dreams’ and ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” said Guzzardi.

Helping all women achieve their dreams

In addition to the S.M.A.R.T Foundation, Nicole founded The Committee Girls Networking Out. “As I became older and more successful, I saw many women who were either single moms or had once been single moms, hustling and thriving. Their determination inspired me to create a community to show single moms currently struggling that there is hope, never give up, and always chase their dreams,” she says. Committee GNO is a networking organization that supports and empowers women to connect with community and professionals. The organization’s community fosters connections, collaboration, and mutual support among women in business.

What you can do to help

You can support single moms in NJ by making donations from their SMART closet wishlist for items like hair brushes, shampoo, floss, toothbrushes, socks, and more. You can also find other ways to get involved, either by making monetary donations for supplies, offering your time to coordinate services, or donating gently used electronics and furnishings. And if you’re curious about becoming a part of the Committee Girls Networking Out, they will host a Women’s Empowerment Brunch for NJ women. It will feature guest speakers from industry-leading professionals who will share their insights and experiences to empower women in their personal and professional journeys. The event is open to the public from 11 am-3 pm on March 9, 2025, at the American Hotel in Freehold, NJ. Tickets are available for purchase here.

To learn more about Nicole Guzzardi, visit the websites of Committee GNO or The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation.

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