OUR MISSION AND VISION

Mission Statement:

The Swinney Foundation is dedicated to empowering single-parent families to achieve their education and career goals through financial assistance, support, and resources.

Vision Statement:

We envision a world where every single parent has the opportunity to reach their full potential and provide for their family, regardless of their circumstances. We believe that education and career advancement are key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for all single-parent families. Through our programs and services, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of single parents and their children and to create a more equitable and supportive society for all.

Our goal is to build strong families and build even stronger communities.

Our Programs

Scholarships

Book and Food Stipends

The Swinney Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to support and empower single-parent families in their pursuit of higher education. We believe that education is a key factor in building strong families and even stronger communities.

Our scholarship program offers a variety of opportunities for single parents to receive financial assistance for their education. Some of our scholarships are directly administered by the foundation, while others are provided in partnership with select colleges and universities.

We understand that the cost of higher education can be a barrier for many single parent families, which is why we strive to make our scholarship program as accessible and inclusive as possible. Whether you are just starting your educational journey or are returning to school to further your career, we have a scholarship option that can support you.

To be eligible for a Swinney Foundation scholarship, applicants must be single parents and demonstrate financial need. We also consider academic merit, community involvement, and personal goals in our selection process.

We are dedicated to supporting single-parent families and helping them achieve their educational and career aspirations. If you are a single parent looking for financial assistance to pursue higher education, we encourage you to apply for a Swinney Foundation scholarship.

Book and Food Stipends

The Swinney Foundation's book stipend program helps alleviate the financial burden of purchasing textbooks for college students. We understand that textbooks can be just as costly as tuition, and we believe that every student should have access to the materials they need to succeed in their studies. Our book stipends are awarded to single-parent families, who often have additional financial responsibilities and may struggle to afford the necessary course materials. By providing these resources, we hope to support the academic success and overall well-being of these students.

In addition to book stipends, we also offer support through college food bank programs. Many college students, especially those who are single parents, struggle with food insecurity. We believe that no student should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from while trying to focus on their studies. That's why we support food banks on college campuses to provide meals and other essentials to students in need.

We're committed to helping single-parent families thrive, and these programs are just a small part of that effort.

Community Relations

Book and Food Stipends

Community Relations

The Swinney Foundation is committed to supporting single-parent families not only through financial assistance but also through education and community resources. As part of this commitment, we offer a variety of webinars on topics that are important to the well-being and success of single-parent families.

Our financial literacy webinars provide information and strategies for managing money effectively and making sound financial decisions. Our self-care webinars focus on the importance of taking care of oneself in order to be able to care for others. And our co-parenting webinars offer guidance and support for navigating the challenges of co-parenting and maintaining positive relationships with co-parents.

In addition to these webinars, we also partner with local organizations to provide resources and support for single-parent families in our community. We are dedicated to helping single parents and their families thrive.

our team

DR. SHARMON MONAGAN, FOUNDER + CEO

Dr. Sharmon Swinney Monagan is the founder and CEO of The Swinney Foundation. Born and raised in Georgia, Sharmon is a divorced single parent of two children, Damali and DJ Monagan. She has served honorably in both the Navy and Georgia Army National Guard and holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, with a focus on the intersection of race, gender, and politics. In addition to her role at The Swinney Foundation, Sharmon is currently an educator and author, dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. She moved to Puerto Rico when her children graduated from high school. In her free time, Dr. Monagan enjoys spending time with her adult children, bonus children, and friends; traveling; beaches; wine tastings; and reading. She lives by the saying "Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional." Choose not to live defeated!

NOTE FROM DR. MONAGAN

As a single parent and cancer survivor, I know firsthand the unique challenges and struggles that come with raising a family on your own. It can be overwhelming and exhausting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and empowering.

Being a single parent means wearing many hats – you are the provider, the caregiver, the disciplinarian, and the role model all rolled into one. It can be a lot to handle, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. There are millions of other single parents out there who are facing the same challenges and making it work.

One thing that has helped me stay positive and motivated is focusing on the things that I am grateful for. It's easy to get caught up in the stress and negativity, but taking a moment to reflect on the good things in your life can help put things into perspective.

Another thing that has been crucial for me is seeking out support and resources. Whether it's seeking out financial assistance, joining a support group, or finding a trusted babysitter, it's important to have a support system in place to help you navigate the challenges of single parenthood.

It's also important to remember that you are not defined by your circumstances. Just because you are a single parent doesn't mean you can't achieve your dreams and goals. I am proof of that – as a cancer survivor and Ph.D., I have overcome many challenges and achieved things I never thought were possible.

So if you are a single parent feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to move forward, just remember that you are stronger and more capable than you think. Seek out support and resources, focus on the things you are grateful for, and never give up on your dreams. You got this. Keep going!

DJ MONAGAN, ADVISORY BOARD: AT-LARGE

DJ "Sherman III" Monagan is a talented and driven young man who is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the world. As a member of the Advisory Board At Large for The Swinney Foundation, he is dedicated to supporting the organization's mission of building strong families and even stronger communities.

In addition to his role at The Swinney Foundation, DJ is also an accomplished musician and videographer. As a member of the Atlanta-based music group, Nedlog, he has traveled extensively performing and creating music that inspires and connects with people. As the owner of ShotxBuddies, DJ has also built a successful videography business, traveling the world to capture stunning images and tell compelling stories through his work.

DJ is passionate about a range of social justice issues and is particularly committed to fighting against gender-based violence and working to improve care for military veterans. He is a proud graduate of Stone Mountain High School and is always looking for ways to make a difference in the world around him.

JASMINE PAYNE, ADVISORY BOARD: PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE

Jasmine Payne is a passionate and dedicated advocate for social justice and equity. As the Public Policy Advocate for the Swinney Foundation's Advisory Board, she brings her wealth of experience and expertise to the table, working to create positive change in her community.

A Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa scholar, Jasmine graduated from Spelman College in 2015 with a degree in Political Science. She then went on to earn her Master of Public Administration from the Andrew Young School at Georgia State University, where she focused on issues of intergenerational poverty. In addition, she is a proud alumna of the Georgia Women's Policy Institute, where she gained valuable experience in policy analysis and advocacy.

Before joining the Swinney Foundation team, Jasmine worked at the Atlanta Community Food Bank as an Advocacy and Education Specialist. In this role, she developed and taught workshops on hunger and poverty, and worked to inspire deeper thought and action on social issues among her students. She is currently an Engagement Officer at CARE, where she coordinates across departments to ensure the success of national initiatives.

Jasmine strongly believes that everyone has the power to make a difference in their community, and she is committed to using her skills and knowledge to create a more just and equitable world.