Mocha Mom's Inc., South Bay Chapter

Our
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.

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 activities are consistent with our goal of supporting other stay-at-home mothers of color and the communities we live in:

Weekly Mother's Support Group Meetings
Every local chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. sponsors a weekly or bi-monthly mothers' support group meetings. An informal discussion led by one of the Mocha Moms or an invited facilitator is an integral part of the support group meetings. Support Meetings are approximately two hours in duration and serve as opportunities for mothers to gather and talk - an activity that most adults take for granted, but missing from the daily lives of at-home mothers. Ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed, and at-home mothers of color discover that they are not alone.

Monthly Moms-Only Potluck Events
Moms-only nights are sponsored monthly by each local chapter. Moms-only nights are the only time each month that members meet without the distraction of children. Often, it is the only opportunity members have to "recharge their batteries" and focus on themselves. Members may go to the movies, out to dinner or to a health club or spa. Most of the time, however, a chapter will invite an expert in a field to come to a member's house to discuss such issues as educational options for children, financial planning or operating home-based businesses.

Community Service Projects
Community service and outreach is a key part of Mocha Moms, Inc. Each local chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. is required to perform two community service projects each year. This is easily accomplished because most members are eager to use their energy doing something positive for their communitie

P.O. Box 18989
Long Beach, CA 90807