The 2025 Heart of a Mother Award Winner Stacy Menz Exemplifies the Strength of Mothers

The Heart of a Mother Award: Celebrating Unseen Heroes

The week before Mother’s Day, Moms Against Poverty launched the Heart of a Mother Award campaign to spotlight mothers whose compassion and dedication leave a lasting imprint on their families and communities. One such remarkable woman is Stacy Menz, the 2025 award winner.

Stacy Menz: Champion for Children and Mothers Alike

Stacy Menz, a single mother by choice, exemplifies the strength and spirit the campaign seeks to honor. As a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Starfish Therapies, Stacy has established a reputation for prioritizing care and accessibility in child development services. Her work focuses on pediatric physical therapy for underserved families, ensuring that all children receive the support they need.

In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, Stacy created a lifeline for isolated families through consistent Saturday gatherings at Golden Gate Park’s Botanical Gardens. These meetings weren’t just moments of connection; they laid the foundation for strong social networks that supported communities of single mothers.

Building Community Through Compassion

Beyond her professional role, Stacy supports other moms through empathetic leadership. Whether she’s advocating for children with limited access to therapy or volunteering with organizations like We’re All Working on Something (WAWOS), Stacy fosters inclusivity and emotional support in all her efforts. Her story is a shining example of maternal resilience and determination.

Her son, Jace, thrives in the nurturing environment Stacy has carefully cultivated. His confidence and curiosity are direct outcomes of a home filled with respect, independence, and unconditional love.

The Lasting Impact of Everyday Leadership

What sets Stacy apart is her quiet leadership. She doesn’t seek recognition, but her actions inspire transformation. Through her work, her community engagement, and her everyday acts of kindness, Stacy reminds us of the true essence of motherhood. Her contributions serve as a model of community empowerment, bringing about lasting change through daily acts of kindness and love.

The Heart of a Mother Award campaign invites everyone to celebrate these powerful stories and contribute to uplifting mothers globally. Donations help provide essential resources and support to mothers in need.

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