News

DuPage Co.'s Mothers and More puts emphasis on Mom

Posted March 11, 2010 10:00 pm

By Christie Willhite

A lot changes when you become a mom.

When that little being comes along you change your priorities, your work schedule and your social life right along with your sleep pattern. And you love it.

But one day you realize you used to listen to music sung by real people, not animated characters, and you used to read books without pictures and rhymes. You used to have things to say in a grown-up conversation.

That's when you realize a group like Mothers and More might be the Butt Paste for your mental diaper rash.

Everyone's a mom, too. Everyone understands the pressures of juggling the family and the house and work. Everyone knows the inclination to put yourself last on your list. And everyone believes that talking with other moms and being social - often without the children in tow - can go a long way toward reminding moms that they're still vibrant, vital women.

And when Mom's happy, the whole house is happy.

Mothers and More has chapters nationwide, all emulating the original club launched by a woman in Elmhurst. Publicity Chairwoman Shannon Kruse tells us how the local club, now known as the Mothers and More DuPage Chapter, supports moms throughout the county.

Q. What is your mission? A. Mothers and More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. We address mothers' needs as individuals and members of society, and promote the value of all the work mothers do.Q. How?A. We provide opportunities for mothers to connect with one another in ways that assist them in developing their unique identities as women and help them move more confidently through the transitions that affect their family, work and life.Q. When and why did the organization start? How has it grown?A. Mothers and More was founded in 1987 by Joanne Brundage. Upon the birth of her second child, Brundage left her job as a letter carrier to stay at home full time to raise her children. She soon felt the stress associated with the transition from full-time employment to at-home motherhood.After placing a notice in her local newspaper, she heard from several mothers who also felt they needed to connect with like-minded women. The first meeting was in August 1987 at Brundage's home in Elmhurst.The DuPage Chapter grew quickly - currently there are about 100 members - and received much local and national press attention. When the group was mentioned in Ms., Parents and other national magazines, women nationwide began inquiring about starting local chapters.Q. What kind of successes have you had?A. The need for connection and support is especially true in tougher economic times. Our membership has increased significantly and we believe that is because, in these tough times, moms wish to share a sense of camaraderie and know they aren't going through things alone.Q. What challenges does the organization currently face?A. Our challenge is to convey that we are not a typical moms group, which tends to focus solely on the child. We do offer many activities for the children, but our main focus is on the mom. We offer activities that appeal to a variety of moms and their interests.Q. What is your group best known for in the community? How does the group contribute to the community?A. Our clothing resales economically clothe 1,200 local families, and a portion of the sale proceeds supports scholarships at the College of DuPage for mothers continuing their education.Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about the group? A. Mothers and More champions the value and necessity of all mothers' work to our society - paid and unpaid, within and outside the home. We strive to raise awareness about the fact that mothers live and work in a society that presents significant barriers to their ability to succeed as women, citizens, parents or participants in the work force. By uniting mothers to act on their own behalf, we seek to eliminate policies, practices and attitudes that unfairly impact mothers as caregivers.Q. Who are your members? What qualities do you look for in new members?A. Mothers and More is for all mothers, those who are presently at home full-time, those working part-time in or outside of their home, and mothers working full-time. Come to a chapter event and give us a try.Q. What time commitment or participation level do you expect of your members?A. We have no expectations.Q. How can readers get involved?A. An annual Mothers and More membership is $45. We are always looking for volunteers to staff our clothing resales. All volunteers are able to shop our pre-sale before the general public.False20001500DuPage Mothers and More has two children's clothing resales each year. The spring/summer sale is Saturday.Courtesy of DuPage Mothers and MoreFalse DuPage Mothers and MoreClub activities• Regular meetings with topical discussions and guest speakers• Playgroups for various locations, ages and needs• Book club• Trips to museums, parks, and zoos• Mom's nights out• Seasoned Moms• Seasonal and holiday parties• Online support and discussion groups• Monthly newsletterVisitors welcome? Yes, prospective members may attend up to three chapter meetings before deciding whether to joinFee: $45 annual membership duesMembership info: (630) 548-9220, <a href="mailto:DuPageMandM@yahoo.com">DuPageMandM@yahoo.com</a>, <a href="mailto:esurks2002@yahoo.com">esurks2002@yahoo.com</a> or <a href="http://dupagemothersandmore.org" target="new">dupagemothersandmore.org</a>Vital statisticsFunding: Biannual children's clothing, toy and equipment resalesCharitible efforts: Contribute to scholarships at College of DuPage for mothers continuing their educationMembers: About 100General info: (630) 415-0421, <a href="mailto:DuPageMandM@yahoo.com">DuPageMandM@yahoo.com</a> or <a href="http://dupagemothersandmore.org" target="new">dupagemothersandmore.org</a>If you go What: DuPage Mothers and More Spring/Summer Children's Clothing, Toy, Equipment and Furniture Resale Why: Sale supports club activities and scholarship donationsWhen: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, WheatonDetails: Items include children's clothing sizes 0 to 14, Easter outfits, jackets, shoes, sandals, bikes, toys, baby equipment; items half price from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; strollers prohibited, children allowed only after 1 p.m.Info: (630) 415-0421 or <a href="http://dupagemothersandmore.org" target="new">dupagemothersandmore.org</a>

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