About Us
One Family believes in an Ireland where every family is cherished equally, and is enabled to enjoy the social, financial and legal equality to create their own positive futures.
We work with all types and all members of one-parent families, respecting the realities of family life
One Family is Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families. We work with all types and all members of one-parent families, respecting the realities of family life, to affect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one-parent families in Ireland.
— Karen Kiernan, CEO
Vision
One Family believes in an Ireland where every family and child is respected and cherished equally.
Mission
One Family are working to create a society that values and supports one-parent families. We do this through the provision of specialist family support services, research and policy work.
Our Values
Understanding
Everything we do starts from a non-judgemental place of respect and understanding for the service users, families, staff and organisations we work with.
Courage
We are a determined and passionate organisation, not afraid to challenge and demand greater equity for all families in Ireland
Equity
We believe in and work towards equity for all families ensuring that all may receive the same respect, opportunities, and access to resources.
History
One Family was originally founded as Cherish in 1972 by Maura O’Dea Richards who placed ads in newspapers looking for other unmarried mothers. A community of mothers, children and well-meaning professionals quickly built up and Maura was Ireland’s first single mother on the Late Late Show.
The progressive Senator Mary Robbins, served as our first President until she became President of Ireland.
Staff & Board
One Family have over 40 members of staff, working directly with members of one-parent families through our range of services and also providing a range of governance, administrative and support roles.
Funding
