MOMS Club

Overview

MOMS Club, which stands for Moms Offering Moms Support, is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to providing support and community for stay-at-home mothers. The organization was founded in 1985 by Mary James, a stay-at-home mother from California, with the goal of creating a network where mothers could connect with each other and find playmates for their children[1].

History

Mary James founded the first MOMS Club chapter in response to the lack of daytime organizations that catered to mothers and their children. The success of this initial chapter led to the establishment of additional chapters throughout the United States and internationally. As of now, there are 973 chapters in the United States alone[1].

Activities

MOMS Club chapters offer a variety of activities designed to support mothers and their children, including:

• Monthly Meetings: Regular gatherings for mothers to connect and discuss relevant topics.
• Playgroups: Organized play sessions for children while mothers socialize.
• Mom's Nights Out: Events allowing mothers to take a break from family responsibilities and bond with other mothers.
• Holiday Parties: Celebrations and social events during holidays.
• Field Trips: Educational outings for mothers and their children.
• Community Service Projects: Initiatives to engage mothers and children in community service[1].

Structure and Nonprofit Status

All MOMS Club chapters operate as registered 501(c)(3) public charities, benefiting from the International MOMS Club's group exemption. This status allows the chapters to engage in charitable and educational activities while maintaining nonprofit status[3][5]. The organization is governed by bylaws that emphasize inclusivity and community-building among mothers[1][3].

Mother-To-Mother Fund

The MOMS Club also has a charity called the Mother-To-Mother Fund, which provides financial assistance to members facing severe financial emergencies or natural disasters. Grants from this fund require approval and are typically not given for situations like unemployment or business-related financial issues[4].

Controversy

In recent years, MOMS Club faced controversy when a chapter's anti-racist message was declined by the international organization due to concerns over maintaining non-profit status. This decision led to significant backlash and the departure of many members[1].