Mesloh Village provides a helping hand to mothers

For Sashalee Carty and Tamika Johnson, it was a friendship grounded in lived experience and a passion for early childcare education that led them to found Mesloh Village.

Sashalee Carty and Tamika Johnson standing inside a large common room holding a flyer about Mesloh Village.

Sashalee Carty and Tamika Johnson, the founders of Mesloh Village.

As a non-profit organization devoted to helping mothers and their children who live in marginalized communities, Mesloh Village provides community service referrals and in-person and online parenting workshops. They also offer early intervention and coaching for special needs children and children identified as being on the autism spectrum. 

According to Sashalee and Tamika, there has been an increase in behavioural problems among children in recent years. “We have more children being diagnosed for being on the spectrum every year,” said Sasha. “Without proper support, there will be issues.”

Sashalee Carty and Tamika Johnson standing outside the doors of a building holding a flyer about Mesloh Village.

Mesloh Village provides community service referrals and in-person and online parenting workshops.

Behavioural therapy is expensive and many mothers weren’t even sure where to begin to get the help. Mesloh Village steps in to bridge the gap by providing early intervention training. Tamika and Sasha draw on their own experiences as educators and others to lead workshops that teach relevant skills. “We teach them how to support children with issues,” said Sasha. “We try to give them practical tips that they can use at home.” This can help improve a child’s mental well-being and reduce their chance of issues related to behaviour and development as they age.

“Children are like sponges. It’s important to teach children well in their younger years because it sets the foundation for elementary school, high school, university, and adulthood,” said Tamika when asked about the importance of quality early
childhood education. 

Mental health issues, lack of support and single motherhood stigma are just a few of the other challenges single mothers face. Mesloh Village offers workshops, spiritual programs and a single mother’s support group (virtually and in-person) to help them connect with resources within the community and with one another.

Sashalee Carty and Tamika Johnson standing inside in front of a large poster.

Tamika and Sasha draw on their own experiences as educators and others to lead workshops that teach relevant skills.

As long as single motherhood challenges are present, Mesloh Village will continue helping mothers to successfully raise their children and experience the joys of parenting. “We understand the complex problems mothers face and want to help,” said Tamika.

For more information about Mesloh Village, you can visit meslohvillage.org, email them at meslohvillage@gmail.com or call 647-361-9446.