Ne-Yo will host a Mother's Day brunch for 50 single and foster mothers from the metro Atlanta area Sunday to raise awareness of the need to drastically reform the U.S. foster care system.

      "They need something special," the 28-year-old singer/songwriter told the Associated Press. "So with the success I've been given, through the blessings I have, how could I not use it for good? This is a way to help people who deserve it — for both the mothers and children."

      While the invited mothers enjoy a performance from Ne-Yo, licensed child care workers are expected to provide activities for children between the ages of 1 and 10 in rooms separate from the event.

       "My efforts are minor for what should be done," he said. "We're in a day and age where people care about themselves and no one else. That's the outlook a lot of people have. But it is everybody's responsibility to make sure that our future, which is these kids, are brought up the right way."

       The artist, born Shaffer C. Smith, recalls the sacrifices of his own mother, who raised him as a single parent.

       "A lot of aggravation was inside me," said Ne-Yo. "Dad stuck around for a minute and decided it wasn't for him. But I credit my mom for being so positive, putting the pen in my hand. It's single women like her who don't get enough recognition."      

       Ne-Yo's mother, Loraine Smith, said she broke into tears when Ne-Yo told her about the event.      

       "I got a little emotional because trying to help children is a passion of mine," said Smith, 45. She helped maintain a household that included Ne-Yo, his grandmother, sister and five aunts while on welfare for a short stint.      

       "This is the best thing so far he has done to give back to the community," she said