Mocha Moms was started in 1997 by four Maryland women who wanted to connect mothers of color from across the country who were taking time off from their careers to raise their children. It first began as a newsletter intended to encourage at-home mothers of color to feel good about their choice and to provide information to enrich their parenting experience. The idea quickly caught on and the women decided to form the organization that we know today.

Today, Mocha Moms is a national 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. Mocha Moms welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. Our local North Dallas chapter holds semi-monthly meetings, field trips, and other activities and events. Our annual dues are $30, which gives you membership into our organization, including access to our on-line community web group, attendance at fieldtrips (outings for our children), Moms Nights Out, regular support meetings, and many other resources that we have planned for the upcoming year. And most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to communicate, share, and form friendships with one of the greatest group of women (and children!) you’ll ever meet! You can find out more about our National Organization by visiting http://www.mochamoms.org/.

Below are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and answers which may help you understand more about Mocha Moms. If you have any further questions, please feel free to Contact Us.

* Why does _Mocha Moms, Inc. exist? /Why do you need a group for moms of color?
Mocha Moms, Inc. exists in part to set the record straight. Families of color are making great sacrifices in order to provide their children the opportunity to have an at-home mother. Women of color are joining the growing ranks of mothers who are choosing parenting over a paycheck. The organization is essential because historically mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, have not had the opportunity to devote a significant amount of time caring for their own families. Many in this new generation are staying at home with little support from society and sometimes without the approval and understanding of their own families. Further, there are many cultural differences that warrant a group like _Mocha Moms, Inc. – so mothers of color can address their specific needs and discuss many of the issues their children of color will face as they enter school and grow up.

* Is this just an organization for women of color? /What are the requirements for membership?
Mocha Moms welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. It is open to anyone who supports its mission. The requirements for membership are minimal, just $34 for yearly dues and support for the mission and purpose.

* Is this just a playgroup for the kids?
While Mocha Moms does provide support through field trips for our children, its primary purpose is as a support group for moms, so there is a heavy focus on the moms. Of course, children are always welcome to our meetings and non-Moms Only events, and many of the events will actually involve and/or be geared toward the children.

* How can I find out more about _Mocha Moms, Inc.?
The best way to find out about _Mocha Moms, Inc. is to visit our website, www.mochamoms.org. There you can read about the organization, its background, mission and purpose, as well as locate a chapter in your area.