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MISSION AND PURPOSE
Mocha Moms 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. 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 (See Mocha Moms Inc. and the "Mommy Wars"). Mocha Moms welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels.
(See Anti-Discrimination Language) Anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome to join.
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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 from their careers to raise their children. The newsletter was
intended to encourage these mothers to feel good about their choice and to provide information to enrich their parenting experience.
The first Mocha Moms newsletter was published in the spring of 1997 and was distributed 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 incorporated in 1999 and received 501 (c)(3) non-profit
status in January 2002.
CHAPTER FOUNDER
Judith Dumorney-McDaniel
works in the field of social services. Most of her time was spent finding resources for families, particular people of color.
Unfortunately there were very few programs for children of color and no play groups for families to take advantage of.
In 1994, Judy decided that if she was given an opportunity and became a parent, she would take the time to start her very
own play group for women of color.
In 2002, Judy became a parent. She had the pleasure of meeting women
of color in Lamaze class that expressed an interest in a support group and offered their assistance. However, after reading
an article in the Essence Magazine about Mocha Moms, Inc., she discovered that there was a national organization similar to
her vision and that there was no need to reinvent the wheel because Mocha Moms, Inc. offered exactly what she had in mind
and much, much more.
To that end, she gathered a group of colleagues, family and friends that assisted her in
starting a chapter for Philadelphia. After several months of planning, Mocha Moms, Inc. Philadelphia Chapter was born on October 2002. The Philadelphia Chapter became the first formed in
the state of Pennsylvania and continues to be of service today for stay at home moms in Philadelphia and the metropolitan area.
Mocha Moms Inc. Philadelphia Chapter grew through leaps and bounds initially recruiting 15 members and grew to 55 members
over a two year period. Today the organization celebrates three years in existence. It continues to grow in membership
and expands its programs and services in Philadelphia and now has additional chapters in the state of Pennsylvania. The
Philadelphia Chapter thanks Judy for starting our journey!
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The National Chapter
of Mocha Moms, Inc. is not responsible for the design and content of these web pages. They are the
sole responsibility of Mocha Moms Philadelphia Chapter.
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