Moms Club

Overview

Moms Club, often referred to as MOMS Club, is an international support organization designed for stay-at-home mothers. The acronym MOMS stands for Moms Offering Moms Support. This nonprofit aims to provide a supportive community for mothers with children, offering various activities and resources to foster connections and community involvement.

History

MOMS Club was founded in 1985 by Mary James, a stay-at-home mother from California. James recognized the need for a daytime organization that would allow mothers to socialize while their children played together. The initial chapter's success led to the establishment of numerous chapters across the United States and internationally. Today, the organization boasts over 973 chapters nationwide and several abroad.

Activities

While activities vary by chapter, common programs include:

• Monthly Meetings: These meetings are designed to inform members about upcoming events and provide a platform for discussion.
• Playgroups: Opportunities for children to interact with peers while mothers socialize.
• Mom's Nights Out: Social events exclusively for mothers to relax and connect without children.
• Holiday Parties: Celebrations for mothers and their families.
• Field Trips: Organized outings to local attractions or educational sites.
• Community Speakers: Guest lectures on topics relevant to mothers and child development.
• Service Projects: Volunteer activities focused on giving back to the community.

Organizational Structure

Each chapter operates autonomously, with flexibility to tailor activities according to local needs. Chapters are registered with the International MOMS Club, allowing them to utilize the organization's name, resources, and group exemptions under the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities.

Controversies

In recent years, the organization faced controversy when a chapter's anti-racist message was declined for posting on the International MOMS Club's social media. This led to significant membership losses and highlighted tensions regarding the organization's stance on social issues.

Nonprofit Classification

Moms Club is classified under Human Services — Multipurpose and Other, reflecting its focus on providing broad support to mothers and their families. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible.

Financial Information

The organization relies primarily on contributions for its operations. The financial structure ensures that chapters manage their own finances, with support from the international body. The organization has a relatively small asset base, focusing resources on community services rather than accumulating wealth.

Inclusivity and Support

MOMS Club emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming mothers from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, or economic status. The organization also operates a Mother-To-Mother Fund to assist members facing financial emergencies or natural disasters. This fund relies on donations to provide support, reflecting the organization's commitment to mutual aid among its members.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOMS_Club [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/912128582 [3] https://momsclub.org/chapters/ [4] https://blogs.millersville.edu/nrn/nonprofits-directory/moms-club/ [5] https://momsclub.org