Mothers Helping Mothers Inc

Since 1990, Mothers Helping Mothers, Inc., an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization, has been providing basic necessities such as clothing and baby items free of charge to our clients. We exist because of the generosity of this community, and our wish is to be able to continue to assist the neediest families right here in our backyard; helping these children to feel successful by meeting their very basic needs.  

MHM started in 1990 with one mom who was moved to help another in need – a young woman moving from a shelter to an apartment, with next to nothing. Inspired by the generous act, other women joined in, and soon Mothers Helping Mothers was incorporated. The organization has grown from a small group of moms operating out of one its member’s shed, to a small storefront on Washington Boulevard, and finally, in 2010, to its existing location on U.S. 301 near University Parkway. The storefront attracts clients from Palmetto to North Port. In 2020-2021, MHM raised enough money to purchase their entire building, expand to over 7,000 sq ft, eliminate power thanks to solar grants and increased store hours and services in efforts to aid systemic poverty. With reduced overhead and a volunteer powered staff, nearly every dollar donated goes back to their services. 

MHM’s goal is to become a hub of connectivity, linking clients in need with the organizations that can assist them, and serving as a physical space for organizations providing legal assistance, supportive services, literacy programs, health and nutrition education, safety programs, and much more. In addition to the increase in space for clients, donations, volunteers, and administrative operation, MHM envisions an expansion in the services it provides to clients by expanding community partnership with other non-profit organizations in our region.  Through our storefront location, we help more than 3,600 families in a single year. These families represent more than 11,000 children, and our numbers are continuing to grow. We continue to grow because the need is so great. 

Another part of our mission is to assist families that find themselves in desperate situations. These families have trouble keeping a roof over their heads, food on the table and maintaining safe living conditions. This is an ongoing need in the community and a project that we operate year-round. Since we are not a part of a national organization, all of the money donated will be committed to helping families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

MHM , not only helps children and families with immediate needs, but also ensures access to desperately needed resources to break the cycle of poverty and despair.

Primary goals and objectives for the organization include:

•  To offer more inventory and permit shoppers to spend more time selecting items for their families.
• To conduct more extensive intake to identify the family’s needs outside of what MHM provides.
• To partner with other organizations to provide family education on such topics as car seat use, early literacy, and parenting skills; homelessness prevention services; children’s play groups; case management; and information and referral services.
• Ultimately, to end the cycle of poverty for those who come through our doors.