Mission
and Purpose
Mocha Moms, Inc. is
a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside
of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities. While many of our members have eliminated employment
altogether, others work part-time, flex-time, night shifts, have home-based businesses, consult or freelance
from home, or have chosen alternative, less demanding career paths so that they are more available to their families. Our
goal is to support the decisions made by our members. We will never pass judgment on mothers who choose to make or are forced
to make different decisions for their families.
The organization is
essential because historically, mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, have not had the opportunity to devote
the majority of their time to caring for their own families. Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for those mothers and
encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership. In 2006, Mocha Moms, Inc. adopted the community service
initiative entitled Closing the Gap on Minority Achievement which focuses on the health, educational and financial
disparities which currently exist in our country. We are honored to partner with:
-
America’s
Promise Alliance
-
Black
Women’s Health Imperative
-
Boys
Booked on Barbershops
-
National
Cares Mentoring Movement Scholastic, Inc.
-
National
Institute for Literacy
-
National
Marrow Donor Program
-
History
In May 1997, Jolene
Ivey and Karla Chutz began publishing a newsletter called "Mocha Moms" in the hopes of connecting with other mothers of color
across the country that were taking time off their careers to raise their children. The newsletter was intended to encourage
these mothers to feel good about their choice and to provide informationto enrich their parenting experience. The first
Mocha Moms newletter was published in the spring of 1997 and was distracted to over 100 mothers nationwide.
By June of 1997,
Jolene and Karla teamed up with Cheli English-Figaro to make Mocha Moms a national support organization. The first chapter
was established in Prince George's County, Maryland. Joby Dupree came on board as the fourth founder in the fall of
1997 and Mocha Moms, Inc was born. Mocha Moms, Inc was born. Mocha Moms, Inc. was incorporated in 1999
and received 501 (c) (3) non-profit status in January 2002.