At a time when many businesses are pulling back from DEI, be it by threat of losing funding or by choice of not having to fake the funk any longer, it’s comforting to see a global stalwart like adidas still standing strong in its annual Honoring Black Excellence campaign. We were specifically intrigued by one of the program’s 2025 honorees, Jaycina Almond, and the work she’s doing on behalf of single moms everywhere with The Tender Foundation.
With help from melanated married duo Rog and Bee Walker, The Three Stripes put together a short film that highlights Jaycina’s inspiration and overall motivation to provide resources for women just like herself through Tender. Take a look below:
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We were honored ourselves to get some one-on-one time with Jaycina recently to help us close out these last few days of Women’s History Month on a good note. she spoke with us about the amazing work that brought adidas knocking at her door, why do you don’t necessarily have to be single to be a “single mama” and where she hopes to extend things in the near future.
BLACK AMERICA WEB: How important was it for you to partner with adidas on this project and tell your story, one that so many women can relate to?
JAYCINA: Connection is one of the key ingredients to building community. We often forget about the interconnectedness between us all. If by sharing my story and sharing my work – just one person feels less alone, feels seen, heard, or is impacted in any other way – that will always be important. We need more threads reminding us we’re all part of this larger community called humanity.
What work is at the root of The Tender Foundation’s mission statement?
At Tender, we’re building a safety net for single moms living on the margins here in Atlanta so that they can invest in what they need. From housing, to keeping the fridge stocked, and everything in between – we offer emergency bill pay assistance with rent, utilities, and childcare costs, we operate a Diaper Bank where all families can get diapers, wipes, and formula for free, and we also run a guaranteed income program called The Bridge where our mamas receive monthly cash payments for a full year – no strings attached. We truly do believe in trust-based solutions that are rooted in dignity.
Is there room for moms who may be casually dating, or a “cut-off” in the instance of a mom in the program getting into a relationship?
There’s absolutely room, single moms deserve to have fun! For us, single mom = primary caregiver. As a single mom who has casually dated and then transitioned into a long-term relationship – it can take a lot of time for your partner to assume a parenting role. Dating as a mama shouldn’t threaten your resources.
How has partnering with adidas helped benefit the overall mission statement of The Tender Foundation?
There’s always more we want to do but only so many dollars in the bank to do it with. Receiving this award not only allows us to reach more mamas with direct assistance, it also helps raise awareness to de-stigmatize poverty and single motherhood. There’s no shame in being a single mom, there’s no shame in living paycheck to paycheck, these things are not individual failures.
What do moms like yourself like to wear when it comes to rocking sportswear brands like adidas?
As a mom, comfy and cozy are the two words that inform everything I wear! adidas is perfect for that – I love a wide leg track pant with a matching hoodie and Sambas. It’s my go-to.
What are your goals for expansion with the program?
We would love to add a mobile Diaper Pantry to our programming within the next couple of years. We currently operate a Diaper Bank and deliver diapers, wipes, and formula to families across the metro Atlanta area for free.There are many families we cannot reach because we rely on volunteer drivers and families don’t always have reliable transportation to come pick up. Having a truck of our own, stocked with diapering supplies, and being able to hire a driver is a major goal. Otherwise, the ability to respond to what our families indicate they need, advocate for our mamas, and continue building and sharing a culture of community care is always our north star.
What do you want Black mothers to know specifically when it comes to simply asking for assistance?
It’s hard to ask for help, especially as Black mom and the messages we are told about Black motherhood. I think the main thing I want women like me to know: just ask. The people who love you won’t make you feel like a burden.
What’s been the greatest response so far towards the work that you do?
From our mamas: I think every single hug we get, every email, every text, every anonymous message we receive through our surveys, the mamas we see do big things like save up for a car and send us a photo. Those are moments I don’t forget!
From our supporters: Opportunities like this! Going about my day-to-day and then suddenly finding out we’re being honored at this scale.
What does the term “Honoring Black Excellence” mean to you?
To me, Honoring Black Excellence means the celebration of the creativity, the innovation, the dedication, and the brilliance of everyday Black folks.
