DaAnne Smith, Executive Director for Single Mothers Outreach Santa Clarita helps single parents and their children by providing, hope, support and resources so families can become self-sustaining. She is this week’s Santa Clarita Unsung Hero presented by Mercedes Benz of Valencia.

Smith has done her best to learn as much as she can. In fact she tried to learn as much as she could in different areas that she never received a degree.

She has an educational background in Business Management from Pepperdine University and Cal State University at Northridge.

“I am a life-long learner,” said DaAnne. “I have a hard time sticking with one thing. I have enough credits for a degree just not in one specific area. I didn’t realize it until I was in my 50s, so that’s why I’m going from thing to thing because I just enjoy learning.”

DaAnne became Executive Director for Single Mothers Outreach in January 2008. She did not take a salary for her full time services until July 2010.

“I have had a heart tug for single mothers ever since I had my own kids,” DaAnne said. “And also because my mother in law grew up in a single parent home during the depression and my mother in law has such a strength of character because of that. When I had my own kids I thought how does anyone do this alone.”

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Single Mothers Outreach Santa Clarita

Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita is a grassroots organization originally founded in 1995 by a divorcee who sought peer support from other single mothers.

Smith’s previous professional and leadership experience includes employment at banks, businesses, churches, and various non-profit organizations for almost 30 years. Her specialty is business analysis with an emphasis on office administration, database management, organizational efficiency, and finances.

Read more about KHTS Santa Clarita Unsung Heroes presented by Mercedes-Benz of Valencia

As a result of DaAnne’s strong leadership skills, passionate and boundless energy, and her values of practicality, cost-effectiveness, and dedication towards empowering single parents, she was recognized as one of the “51 Most Influential People” in the Santa Clarita Valley in 2008 by the Signal Newspaper.

In 2009, DaAnne was given the “Women Who Make a Difference Award” by Soroptomist International as well as the “Volunteer of the Year Award” by Zonta of the Santa Clarita Valley. In 2010, DaAnne was one of ten Los Angeles residents to receive the prestigious “Local Heroes Award” by Bank of America.

Smith is also very proud of the new Closet on Main, which is a boutique located in downtown Newhall that sells new and gently used upscale clothing. There are items for every budget with customer service you find at high end boutiques. 

Related Article: Closet on Main Helps Single Parents

All sales proceeds go to supporting Single Mothers Outreach and the families we serve. Families receive free clothing at monthly private events and by volunteering at Closet on Main.

For more information on Single Mothers Outreach, click here. 

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

Listen to the podcast of DaAnne Smith’s interview and learn more about this KHTS Santa Clarita Unsung Hero’s good deeds.

Mercedes-Benz of Valencia Salutes Santa Clarita’s Unsung Heroes

Mercedes-Benz of Valencia is proud to be part of the Santa Clarita Valley, not only giving you the superior customer service you deserve, but also giving back to our community by supporting our schools, sports teams, Sheriff’s Station and nonprofit organizations. Now, Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and KHTS have teamed up to present “Santa Clarita’s Unsung Heroes,” a series of special features spotlighting local residents who make a difference in our valley. With new contributions also comes a new Mercedes management team. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Valencia today. 

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