About the Program

Every year, 50 percent of United States marriages end in divorce. Most people don't really think about what that means financially to a person. I, however, was devastated. There I was: a smart, talented, educated and well-paid professional woman. Money had never been a problem for me. Yet after the divorce and its associated attorneys' fees, I was left standing helpless, practically penniless. Suddenly, I realized that if I had been this fortunate to have such professional, personal and monetary assets - yet was still crushed by an unhealthy spouse and the divorce's financial blow - how did other recently divorced women, with much less means, manage to survive? And how could they possibly provide a healthy, stable life for their children?

After much research, I learned a very sad truth: No matter her social status or education, a single mother earns an average income of $20,000 or less. Why? Because, while married, she often compromises her professional potential by staying home with the children. Or she might work to put her husband through college, never finishing school herself. Additionally, once divorced, today's single mom commonly has what's called a "deadbeat dad" for an ex-husband. This guy rarely pays the court-ordered support - if he pays it at all. Given this dismal, post-divorce picture, it's no wonder that many women feel it's smarter to stay in an unhealthy marriage. At least this way, they think, there's a paycheck on which to live.

Enter Extraordinary Single Moms, the foundation I established with Rockwell Financial Inc. to provide emotional and financial support through its Loans for Life program. A beacon of hope for single mothers, Loans for Life teaches approved applicants the trade of refinancing home loans through virtual offices. Since 70 percent of home loans are done online, the Internet makes it easy for the program's participants to talk to borrowers without ever leaving the house. Through this internship program, which is backed by all the educational and technological support necessary to establish a home-based loan office, women can make as little or as much money as they want. For example, one loan can net up to $1,500 of income, which can be a substantial amount of money for someone struggling to pay bills or put food on the table. Quite simply, the single mom's personal commitment and will is what drives her earning potential.

Why teach women the loan business? Because when I stumbled across this industry and joined a mortgage company after my own divorce, I realized that this trade can be taught to nearly anyone and is a simple process with Rockwell's facilitation of infrastructure and mentoring program. All a single mom needs is a desire to learn and a passion to help others. What's more, I feel women naturally excel at networking and assisting others, so this trade taps quite nicely into their innate talents.

When the idea for Loans for Life hit me, it was a true Oprah "Ah-ha" moment. I pulled together resources and people who I knew could help. With our combined commitment, we've developed this foundation to offers single moms a fresh professional path as well as much-needed hope. Consequently, we're making a groundbreaking difference in the lives of single mothers - and their children, the truly innocent victims of divorce.

To join in our efforts, click here to view our wish list of support. Extraordinary single moms interested in applying for our program, click here.

Sincerely,

Heather DeSimone
President/Founder of Extraordinary Single Moms and Loans for Life