OUR MISSION AND PURPOSE

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a national support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside the home in order to devote more time to their families. 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 or are forced to make different decisions for their families.

We do not discriminate and all those who support the mission of Mocha Moms are welcome to join regardless of sex, age, race, religion, creed, socioeconomic or employment status.

HISTORY

In 1997, Jolene Ivey and Karla Chustz began publishing a newsletter with the goal of connecting with other stay-at-home mothers of color across the country. The newsletter was intended to encourage mothers to feel good about their choice and to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children's lives. The first Mocha Moms newsletter was distributed via e-mail and postal service to over 100 mothers nationwide. Later that year, Jolene and Karla teamed up with Cheli English-Figaro to make Mocha Moms a national support organization with the first chapter being established in Prince George's County, Maryland.

COLUMBUS CHAPTER HISTORY

The Columbus chapter was chartered in October of 2002 by a group of six moms and quickly grew to 31 members in 2003 and 43 members in 2006.

Mocha Moms of Columbus chapter serves as an advocate for mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership.