Independent Moms Club: A Healing Space for Single Mothers

The Independent Moms Club is more than just a support group, it’s a safe and supportive space where single mothers can heal, grow, and find strength together. It was founded by Lazanne Simony McLeod and co-led with Devina August on 21 June 2024. This is a God-led group that gives single mothers a safe space to deal with the emotional challenges of parenting, offering healing programs based on faith, and giving back to the community.

For Lazanne McLeod, who is a single mother of three, the idea for the club came when she was emotionally exhausted, spiritually drained, and barely holding herself together. In the middle of a dark experience, she testified to hearing a calling which motivated her to start a group that could become a healing space for women like her. Today, that vision is alive through the Club, a sisterhood helping women to rediscover their strength, restore their worth, and rise again.

Lazanne started the club from a place of need. She explains, “I was in a very dark place. I felt like I had lost myself. I was pouring time into my children and work, and nothing was left for me.” 

The idea of starting the “Independent Moms Club” had been on her heart, but it was her co-founder, Devina August, who encouraged her to pray and take the first step. Together, they reached out through a local Facebook group, and the responses were overwhelming.

According to Lazanne and Devina, they faced ups and downs, losing some members, and learning important lessons through it all.

“We’re 12 in the group currently,” Lazanne said. “We are on the same page, and we share the same goals.”

The Independent Moms Club is special because of how deeply personal and spiritually focused each session is. Sessions focus on emotional and spiritual growth — from forgiving themselves and letting go of past trauma, to learning self-love and finding beauty in brokenness. Activities like reflection walks, heartfelt group talks, and a powerful women’s conference have helped members heal, grow, and rediscover their worth.

Lazanne said, “One of my most emotional moments was having to forgive myself,”. She added, “I had to look myself in the mirror and apologise to the woman I had neglected.”

Another moment of her healing came during the “Walk in My Closet” session, where she let go of an old item she had on the day her ex got married. “I didn’t even realise how much that item was holding me back,” Lazanne said.

As a single mom raising two biological children and caring for a third, she considers her own. Lazanne understands the emotional struggle of being a single mother.

She says the sisterhood they’ve built helps every member to find balance. “We don’t just support each other, we learn and grow together,” Lazanne said.

The “Independent Moms Club” group is not stopping at just emotional healing. They have plans to give back to the community by having a ‘Christmas Drive’ to provide clothing to children. They also have a ‘Stationery Drive’ for learners preparing for the new school year and a ‘Monthly Food Drive’ where they offer meals, clothes, shoes, and bedding to families in need.

Lazanne also credits the leadership of her church, Covenant Christian Centre, especially Apostle Richard and Lady Nella Visagie, for supporting her vision and providing a space for the club’s programmes. “As single moms, we often feel left out in church, but our Apostle gave us a platform, and for that I am forever grateful,” Lazanne said.

 To other single mothers who may be struggling in silence, Lazanne shared this message, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. When you know better, you do better. Trust God in everything, and he will direct your path. You are never alone, God is your story.”

The Independent Moms Club is a space of healing, faith, and support where single mothers grow stronger together. It reminds every mom that she’s not alone, her story matters, and there’s hope in every new beginning.