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  • OUR TEAM | MDM

    OUR TEAM KIM HAUSMAN ATHAN Founder Becoming a mother was life-changing for me. I'm aware of the great inequities in our world and I believe that if we each do our part, we can make positive change. With so much need around the world, and here at home, I hope to grow this movement and to make a lasting difference. It's an honor to partner in this effort with my mother who is an inspiration to us all. EVA HAUSMAN Founder Reading Half the Sky was both enlightening and painful for me. I was horrified by the conditions which many women and children endure and I recognized my obligation to act on their behalf. Not only to tell the stories of oppression, but to concretely act by raising funds and in my own small way, attempt to “repair the world.” STEPHANIE NORTON Founder I was inspired by my family and Half the Sky to make a difference, not only for my children’s world, but for a world of children. I believe that in order to build an enduring community you have to educate and nurture its women and children. By giving women the tools to save themselves, you save a community. WENDY BRONFIN Partner The extraordinary women in my family taught me about the power of courage and generosity. As we aspire to improve issues of education, health and equality, I know that the best and most efficient investment we can make is to enable mothers worldwide. Because we know that when we empower women their lives improve, their families benefit and their communities rise. We are small group of passionate change-makers and together we can make a difference. DOMINIKA TURKCAN Partner I believe that investing in solutions that benefit women and their families positively impacts broader society. My goal is to help women reach resources that can help improve their lives. I have a background in social policy, a branch of public policy concerned with the ways societies meet human needs for security, education, work, health and overall well being. I'm inspired by the possibilities for overcoming socio-economic issues, through policy or other creative means, big or small. Nadia Meier Partner As a mother of three, I understand the challenges and joys that come with this role. I believe that all women, not just mothers, deserve to be celebrated and supported. By being part of this movement, I want to make a difference and contribute to creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for women everywhere. By channeling our resources and efforts towards empowering women worldwide, we can help break down barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive world. Shaiza Sinha Partner Joining the Mothers' Day Movement was a heartfelt decision fueled by my passion and background as a public health professional and social justice advocate for the reduction of inequities experienced by marginalized communities worldwide. Inspired by the creative simplicity of redirecting Mother's Day spending to make a lasting impact on mothers worldwide, this movement embodies a unique blend of compassion and strategic action. Trish Hazelwood Emeritus Partner I was moved to action after reading the book Half the Sky. Its premise, that each of us can make a difference, was very inspiring. It has been wonderful to witness the success and growth of the Mother’s Day Movement. Join us! SPECIAL THANKS We would like to acknowledge some special people who have given significant amounts of their time and talent to the Mothers' Day Movement: Elizabeth Titus, Sara Allard, Erica Buchsbaum, Kathy McAfee, Carol Mondschein, Jeff Norton and Dana Epstein Altman. COLLABORATING PARTNERS Over the years, the Mothers' Day Movement has forged partnerships with outstanding nonprofits globally. From ensuring safe childbirth with Saving Mothers to championing clean water access with Clearwater/Lifeline Fund and fostering education in rural Kenya via Kenya Connect, our collaborations have touched countless lives. Together, we've combated health crises, empowered communities, and brightened futures. LEARNING PARTNERS Every step of the Mothers' Day Movement has been guided by our cherished Learning Partners—dedicated organizations and individuals who've shaped our journey. Their wisdom and steadfast support have amplified our impact, underscoring our collective commitment to a brighter future for mothers worldwide.

  • 2015 Free the Slaves | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2015 CAMPAIGN In 2015, the Mothers' Day Movement proudly partnered with Free the Slaves, an inspiring nonprofit dedicated to eradicating modern-day slavery. Free the Slaves works tirelessly across global communities, liberating individuals from bondage and transforming societies into places where freedom can thrive. T heir app roach encompasses not just rescue and recovery, but also focuses on changing the underlying systems that allow slavery to persist. This partnership aligned with our commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by slavery. Together, we aimed to bring awareness, support, and change, contributing to Free the Slaves' vital mission of creating a world free of slavery. LEARN MORE IN THEIR WORDS "The funds raised from the Mothers' Day Movement campaign provided crucial support for Free the Slaves' programs aimed to free people and help entire communities stay free through activities such as education and community savings programs. From children trappe d in domestic servitude in Haiti and Nepal to children forced to fish in Ghana, there is no better gift to mothers than returning their children to them. MDM's funds made these reunions possible." ​ PROBLEM ENDING PRESENT DAY SLAVERY The Problem Modern slavery is a result of social, cultural, and political conditions that make people vulnerable. Poverty, war and conflict, migration, lack of access to basic human rights, and many other related factors create conditions where the powerful have the opportunity to oppress and exploit the weak. To end slavery, those most vulnerable to slavery must have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and their communities. ​ Tens of millions of people across the globe live in slavery today. ​ Estimates indicate that over 50% are women and girls; over 25% are children. Instead of school, children are forced to work in dangerous, life threatening conditions. Instead of the promises they were made for a better life, women are lied to and abused. The horrific conditions under which women and children live in slavery defy hyperbole; they are all too real. Deepa's Story At the age of 13, Deepa was trafficked into sexual exploitation by her own family. She was taken away to a house where she was forced to have sex with men who were brought there. The trafficker kept her locked up alone for a year before Deepa’s brother found out and went to the police. The police refused to take action until her brother, with the help of a Free The Slaves partner agency, compelled the police to organize a raid of the premises. Her captors were arrested and prosecuted. After having been freed from her slavers, Deepa had no safe shelter. She stayed with a family that works for a partner of Free The Slaves while she recovered. Soon she completed her fifth grade education. She was committed to helping other families affected by slavery. Deepa now serves to protect other young women who have been liberated from sexual exploitation as the house-mother of the Punarnawa Ashram, a safe shelter for survivors of slavery. At the Ashram, young women receive the care and concern they need to reestablish their lives. “I have a feeling of my own power that I can give here,” she says about her time at Punarnawa Ashram. Vocational training at the ashram Photo: FTS / FitzPatrick Solution Ashram Coordinator Amita Gaur | Photo: FTS / FitzPatrickPhoto: FTS / FitzPatrick PROVIDING A SAFE HOME The Solution We were able to raise much needed money to support the Punarnawa Ashram, a safe home in the state of Bihar, Northern India, one of the poorest in the world. The Ashram provides safe shelter and support for the survivors of slavery leading to reintegration in their own homes, either back in their home village or in another location they choose. Some of the residents of the Ashram are as young as 8 years old. The young women are given counseling, literacy lessons and trade skills. ​ What We Did WHAT WE DID TOGETHER Right before Mother's Day, the exterior wall surrounding the Ashram was destroyed in a storm. With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, Free the Slaves focused some of the funds to rebuild that wall to provide extra security from harassment and intruders looking to enslave the women. Funds were also directed to staff, school supplies, meals, clothing, counseling and basic education f or the young women so they can enter a vocation or start a business of their own. 356 Number of Donations $50,000 Together, We Raised

  • 2017 Nurse Family Partnership | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2017 CAMPAIGN In 2017, the Mothers' Day Movement embraced a cause that resonates deeply with our ethos – supporting the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), an organization dedicated to t ransforming the lives of vulnerable first-time mothers and their babies in the United States. NFP addresses the challenges faced by mothers living below the poverty line, who often grapple with issues like addiction, homelessness, or violence, alongside the trials of new motherhood. Through the guidance of registered nurses, these mothers receive invaluable support from pregnancy until their child reaches two years of age, a critical time for laying the foundation of health and well-being. ​ NFP's impact is significant, leading to reductions in child abuse, neglect, and maternal arrests, as well as improvements in children's development. This program represents not just a compassionate gesture but a wise investment in the future of our communities. Our campaign for NFP aimed to extend their reach, supporting more families in need and amplifying their positive impact across communities. LEARN MORE IN THEIR WORDS “If communities are truly interested in making sound investments that will yield high public and private gains in both the long and short run, they would fare far better by investing in evidence-based, early child development initiatives like Nurse-Family Part nership than in professional sports stadiums or office towers.” - Rob Grunewald Associate Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis *US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2014), Retrieved July 2016 from Kids Count Data Center website, http://datacenter.kidscount.org PROBLEM EMPOWERING NEW MOTHERS The Problem Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) helps transform the lives of vulnerable first-time moms and their babies by giving mothers valuable knowledge and support throughout pregnancy and until their babies reach two years of age. The first two years of life are when the seeds of change are fostered. Key health and development interventions during this window have been shown to have a dramatic impact on lifetime health and well-being. Through ongoing home visits from registered nurses, low-income, first-time moms receive the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy, provide responsible and competent care for their children, and become more economically self-sufficient. ​ There are currently 32,000 families enrolled across 42 US states, six tribal nations and the US Virgin Islands. NFP has 1,859 Nurse Home Visitors working to form a much-needed, trusted relationship with first-time moms—instilling confidence and empowering them to achieve a better life for their children, and themselves. ​ An evaluation conducted by economist Ted Miller, and published in the Journal of Prevention Science in 2015, found that every $1 invested in Nurse-Family Partnership can yield up to $5.70 in cost savings due to the positive impacts of the program, including fewer pre-term births, greater economic self-sufficiency, and less interaction with the criminal justice system. Solution INCREASING CAPACITY The Solution We worked with NFP to increase reach to eligible families in need beyond the 2-3% NFP was currently at capacity to help. ​ The cost of the NFP program varies depending on the location. For example, for 1,000 days of NFP nurse services in South Carolina, the cost is estimated at $6,000 per family, compared to $9,600 per family in New York City. But the cost seems negligible when you consider that a small investment in the lives of these families today reduces the future burden to the community. Just take a look at the staggering statistics. Nurse Family Partnership effects a: ​ ​ ​ 48% reduction in child abuse and neglect ​ ​​ 59% redu ction in arrests among children at age 15 ​ 72% fewer convictions of mothers ​ ​ 56% reduction in emergency room visits for accidents and poisonings ​ 67% reduction in behavioral and intellectual problems at child age six What We Did WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, Nurse Family Partnership was able to transform the lives of hundreds of vulnerable first-time moms and their babies by giving mothers valuable knowledge and support throughout pregnancy and until their babies reach two years of age. 279 Number of Donations $68,000 Together, We Raised

  • 2013 Fistula Foundation | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2013 CAMPAIGN The funds raised by MDM's campaign supported the work of Dr. Steve Arrowsmith, Fistula Foundation’s Medical Director, to help deliver one-on-one training to fistula surgeons handling increasingly complex cases of fistula. By working directly with local partners providing fistula treatment in Africa and Asia, Fistula Foundation supports a variety of training opportunities for in-house surgeons, helping build critical skills that advance fistula treatment and increase the number of qualified surgeons who can conduct repairs. This reduces the waiting time for women who are desperate for treatment in the hopes that they can rejoin their communities, their health fully restored. LEARN MORE IN THEIR WORDS “Fistula Foundation was honored to have been selected as Mother’s Day Movement’s featured charity in 2013. This initiative delivered $60,000 in support of our efforts to train fistula surgeons in Africa and Asia, building the skills that are enabling the backlog of women to get treatment faster. In 2016, The Fistula Foundation passed a significant milestone, having delivered more than 20,000 surgeries to women across 31 countries. That number continues to grow at a steady pace, thanks to the support of organizations like the Mothers' Day Movement, that help us provide more skilled care to more women, year after year." -Kate Grant, CEO, Fistula Foundation ​ THE PROBLEM WHAT WE DID Anchor 1 PROBLEM TREATING FISTULAS WORLDWIDE The Problem Fistula occurs because most mothers in poor countries give birth without any medical assistance. It only costs $586 on average to repair a fistula and transform one woman's life forever. ​ In the US or Europe, when a woman has obstructed labor a C-section is performed. In developing countries, obstructed labor often results in the death of the mother and child, and often the woman is left with a fistula. A fistula is a hole that makes it impossible for a woman to hold her urine, and sometimes her bowels. A woman with a fistula is likely to be rejected by her husband because of her foul smell. She might be shunned by her community and forced to live an isolated existence. Many of these women suffer profound psychological trauma resulting from their utter loss of status and dignity, and that is in addition to the constant suffering from their internal physical injury. ​ The best data available shows that 1,000,000 women in Africa and Asia are currently suffering from obstetric fistula, a heartbreaking injury that is both preventable and treatable. What We Did WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, the Fistula Foundation helped hundreds of women suffering from debilitating obstetric fistula. They also delivered one-on-one training to fistula surgeons handling increasingly complex cases of fistula. 416 Number of Donations $60,000 Together, We Raised

  • General | MDM

    Page Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Click Here Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement.

  • HOME | MDM

    From Flowers to Empower. Shift Your Gift. Change a Life this Mother's Day. Mothers' Day Movement (MDM) was founded by a small group of women who believe in making a difference for women and their families around the globe. Each year we support one nonprofit through a funding campaign. 100% of donations go to the chosen charity. Our goal is to shift the priorities of giving for Mother's Day. Donate Now 2024 Beneficiary: African Education Program Every week, over 750 children, youth, and women access highly impactful programs and resources at AEP’s flagship Learning & Leadership Center, named Amos Youth Centre, in Kafue, Zambia. Many of their program participants take advantage of resources and training in the areas of education, health, entrepreneurship and leadership development at the Center three to five times per week over the course of 10+ years, with life-changing results. Since the Center first opened its doors, AEP has partnered with local leaders and youth to develop, grow, and refine our Learning & Leadership Center model. Today, the Center is run almost entirely by alumni who returned to spearhead the Center’s programs after pursuing higher education. This is a true testament to the positive impact of their work, as well as the sustainable ripple effect of their programs, as these alumni become the leaders at the forefront of transforming their communities. Learn More... OUR STORY Back in 2011, when we learned of the $23 billion spent in the United States on Mother's Day—on things like flowers and cards—we thought there should be a movement, a Mothers’ Day Movement (MDM). Today that number exceeds $35.7 billion . Join us to move the funds to mothers and their families who need it around the globe and right here at home. ​ Each year, MDM selects one 501c3 charity focused on the needs of women and children. Join the movement. LEARN MORE OUR INSPIRATION "It's time to move the apostrophe so that it becomes not just Mother's Day honoring a single mother but Mothers' Day , an occasion to try and help mothers around the globe as well." -Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times MEET THE TEAM $940K funds raised since 2011 100% of your donation reaches our beneficiaries 12 successful campaigns to date 1 day to make an impact for mothers around the world PAST BENEFICIARIES SEE ALL CAMPAIGNS Nominate Your Nonprofit We're continuously on the lookout for nonprofits that share our mission to uplift mothers, their families and their communities worldwide. If your organization is interested in becoming a Mothers' Day Movement beneficiary or to learn more, nominate your program to determine your eligibility. NOMINATE TODAY Contact Us

  • 2012 Saving Mothers | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2012 CAMPAIGN In 2012, MDM raised funds for Saving Mothers, which conducted 25 outreach trips to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Africa. With funds raised, Saving Mothers sent over 60 volunteers, physician’s assistants, nurses, medical students, resident physicians, fellows, and attending physicians to treat over 1,700 patients . Additionally, Saving Mothers trained over 200 local health care providers to serve their communities in the future. This campaign has been a prime example of mothers helping mothers. LEARN MORE IN THEIR WORDS “ The funding from Mothers' Day Movement campaign helped us move priority programs forward at a critical time for our organization. We were able to expand our distribution of birth kits as well as teach and train more local providers to immediately reduce maternal deaths in the communities we serve. Thank you so much to MDM for making our programs possible around the globe. Because no woman should die giving life.” -Taraneh Shirazian, MD, Saving Mothers THE PROBLEM WHAT WE DID Anchor 1 PROBLEM ADDRESSING MATERNAL MORTALITY The Problem Across the globe one woman dies every 90 seconds due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth—that’s the equivalent of three full jumbo jets of women crashing to their deaths every day. For each of these deaths, another thirty women experience childbirth-related injury or infection. Women in developing countries do not have access to hospitals and must rely on an insufficient number of midwives and trained birth attendants to administer to them. Saving Mothers is an organization founded to train birth attendants to use birth and hemorrhage kits at delivery in order to reduce the number of deaths during labor. Sadly, maternal mortality from infection and hemorrhage are a growing epidemic in the US and thee developing world. What We Did WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, Saving Mothers sent over 60 volunteers, physician’s assistants, nurses, medical students, resident physicians, fellows, and attending physicians to treat over 1,700 patients . 576 Number of Donations $45,000 Together, We Raised

  • 2021 Dig Deep | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2021 CAMPAIGN In the heart of America, 30% of Navajo families lack essentials like sinks or toilets. DigDeep began its journey in Thoreau, NM, with one family's need and has since reached over 250 families across 9 towns in New Mexico. By 2018, their resolve had taken them to Navajo Mountain, UT, and Dilkon, AZ. ​ The unsettling truth? Navajo communities are 67 times more likely to live without basic water facilities, a stark contrast to the treaties signed over 150 years ago. ​ But DigDeep offers hope. As an Indigenous-led initiative , they are not just providing water; they're restoring dignity. Beyond off-grid Home Water Systems, they are forging pathways in advanced septic solutions, job creation, and community support through the Water is Life Fund. ​ Our campaign raised over $130,000 and brought complete hot and cold running water systems to homes on the Navajo Nation. Running water changes a life forever. LEARN MORE PROBLEM THE URGENT CRISIS: AMERICA'S WATER GAP The Problem While most people in the United States take running water completely for granted, millions of our neighbors struggle to get enough clean water to survive. The Navajo Nation is hit particularly hard since more than 30% still don’t have a tap or toilet at home. The number of people without water access is also increasing in Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, and Puerto Rico. ​ As the repercussions of COVID-19 continue to linger, the impact on families who do not have water is tragic. Solution IN 24 HOURS... The Solution Within just 24 hours, Dig Deep can equip a Navajo family in rural New Mexico, Arizona, or Utah with clean, hot and cold running water. We engage homeowners in the installation process, empowering them with the skills needed to maintain, repair, and upgrade their water system for life. What We Can Do WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, DigDeep brought running water systems to more than 30 families in the Navajo Nation, changing their lives forever. Number of donors 1,200 $1,200 Together, We Raised $105,000

  • PAST BENEFICIARIES | MDM

    Kenya Connect, 2022 OUR WORK Since our journey began in 2011, Mothers' Day Mo vement h as ra ise d nearly $940,000, creating ripples of change for women and their families across the globe. Together, with our donors, we have supported each of our beneficiary, fueling them to deliver transformative i mpact, that continues to improve the lives of countless women and their families, and up lifts their communities. ​ Our work is not done yet. Our Story FUNDRAISING IMPACT BE OUR NEXT PARTNER Our mission remains unyielding and our work is not done. We're continuously on the lookout for nonprofit organizations that share our goal to uplift women, children and families worldwide. If your charity is interested in becoming a beneficiary, we've created a brief application process to determine eligibility. We look forward to meeting you. BENEFICIARY APPLICATION OUR CAMPAIGNS The mission and impact of our past campaigns, echo our dedication to empower mothers, their children and their communities. Our partner charities have delivered life-changing impact, and continue to dramatically improved the lives of women and their families in the areas of education, maternal health, clean water, personal safety and food security. 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2022 2021-2019 Saving Mothers Saving Mothers is a global nonprofit committed to ending preventable maternal deaths. In 2023, MDM supported Saving Mothers' work in New York City. Maternal mortality, notably in NYC, reveals stark racial disparities. The mPOWHER Project in NYC provides specialized training and vital tools like the mPOWHER Mom's Kit. Learn About the Campaign Kenya Connect In 2022, Covid-19 caused an alarming spike in teen pregnancies in rural Kenya, worsening poverty. Kenya Connect responded with a program promoting healthier youth relationships. Their efforts spanned after-school activities and parental sexual education, thus driving change throughout their community. Learn About the Campaign DigDeep 30% of Navajo families lack basic water amenities. DigDeep, provides clean running water to families across New Mexico, UT and AZ. Navajo communities face a 67x higher likelihood of water scarcity, DigDeep's Indigenous-led initiative provides water access and restores dignity while pioneering solutions like advanced septic systems, job creation, and the Water is Life Fund. Learn About the Campaign Circle of Health International (COHI) Puerto Rico was devastated by earthquakes and hurricanes, resulting in women and children facing immense health challenges. Circle of Health International (COHI) aligns itself with local, community-based organizations led and powered by women to help women. Learn About the Campaign Edesia Nutrition Amidst the global crisis of malnutrition affecting over 255 million children, Edesia emerged as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2009 by Navyn Salem, Edesia produces lifesaving nutritional products like Plumpy’Nut®, revolutionizing the treatment of child malnutrition. Since 2010, their efforts have reached over 8 million children across 50 countries. Learn About the Campaign We Care Solar Co-founder Dr. Laura Stachel went to Northern Nigeria in 2008 to study ways to lower maternal mortality in state hospitals. She witnessed deplorable conditions in state facilities including sporadic electricity that impaired maternity and surgical care. We Care Solar improves maternal health outcomes in regions without reliable electricity. Learn About the Campaign Nurse Family Partnership NFP addresses the challenges faced by new mothers living below the poverty line, who often grapple with extended issues like addiction, homelessness, or violence. Through the guidance of registered nurses, new mothers receive invaluable support from pregnancy until their child reaches two years of age, a critical time for laying the foundation of health and well-being. Learn About the Campaign Free the Slaves Free the Slaves works across global communities, liberating individuals from bondage and transforming societies where freedom can thrive. Their approach encompasses rescue and recovery, and also focuses on changing the underlying systems that allow slavery to persist. Together, we aimed to bring awareness, support, and change. Learn About the Campaign Clear Water ClearWater was founded in 2007 by American serviceman Captain Ben Sklaver after he served on active duty in Uganda. Ben believed in harnessing the reach of the American military to address humanitarian crises. Something so simple, clean water, means life to the people of Uganda and many parts of the world. Learn About the Campaign Fistula Foundation The Fistula Foundation delivers one-on-one training to surgeons handling increasingly complex cases of fistula. Working directly with local partners providing fistula treatment in Africa and Asia, Fistula Foundation supports surgeons, helping build critical skills that advance fistula treatment and increase the number of qualified surgeons who can provide postpartum repair. Learn About the Campaign Saving Mothers Saving Mothers trains birth attendants to use birth and hemorrhage kits at delivery to reduce the number of deaths during labor. Saving Mothers, led outreach trips to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Africa sending volunteers, physician’s assistants, nurses, medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians to treat patients. and provide training for local health care providers. Learn About the Campaign SHOFCO In Kibera, Nairobi's poorest area, Kennedy Odede founded SHOFCO to combat extreme poverty and high child mortality. Supported by the Mothers' Day Movement's inaugural campaign, which raised over $135,000, SHOFCO established the Kibera School for Girls, initiating broader community change. This effort illustrates the transformative impact of unified support in vulnerable communities. Learn About the Campaign Be Our Next Beneficiary Our mission remains unyielding and our work is not done. We're continuously on the lookout for nonprofits that share our goals to uplift women, children and families worldwide. If your organization is interested in becoming a beneficiary, we've created a brief application process to determine eligibility. We look forward to meeting you. BENEFICIARY APPLICATION 2018-2016 2015-2014 2011-2013

  • 2020 COHI | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2020 CAMPAIGN Circle of Health International (COHI) is an organization dedicated to supporting women and their communities during crises and disasters. Their focus lies in ensuring access to quality reproductive, maternal, and newborn care. By addressing these critical healthcare needs, they aim to provide essential support and services in challenging situations, highlighting the vital importance of specialized care for women and newborns in times of crisis. ​ Our campaign focused on their critical work in Puerto Rico due to COVID and a series of natural disasters that devastated the island. LEARN MORE PROBLEM DEVASTATION IN PUERTO RICO The Problem Puerto Rico was devastated by earthquakes and hurricanes resulting in women and children facing immense health challenges. Circle of Health International (COHI) aligns itself with local, community-based organizations led and powered by women to help women. Solution ON THE GROUND ASSISTANCE The Solution COHI’s response to Puerto Rico’s natural disasters has been to work directly with local midwives, nurses, and physicians to provide medicine, care and supplies. COHI helps offset transportation and relocation costs for expectant mothers and families with newborns, and repairs local birth and maternity centers. COHI has served over 5,000 women and children and provided 50,000 pounds of essential medicines and supplies, but the dangers continue for vulnerable mothers and babies. What We Can Do WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, COHI improved maternal outcomes for women and their babies during such a difficult time in Puerto Rico. Together, We Raised $35,000

  • 2018 We Care Solar | MDM

    BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS BACK TO PAST CAMPAIGNS 2018 CAMPAIGN Co-founder Dr. Laura Stachel went to Northern Nigeria in 2008 to study ways to lower maternal mortality in state hospitals. She witnessed deplorable conditions in state facilities including sporadic electricity that impaired maternity and surgical care. Without a reliable source of electricity, nighttime deliveries were attended in near darkness, cesarean sections were cancelled or conducted by flashlight, and critically ill patients waited hours or days for life-saving procedures. The outcomes were often tragic. ​ Together with her husband Hal, a solar energy educator in California, they founded We Care Solar to improve maternal health outcomes in regions without reliable electricity. Hal designed an off-grid solar electric system, the We Care Solar Suitcase , to provide health facilities with highly efficient solar energy systems to power medical lighting, mobile communication and essential medical devices and can be used in a range of medical and humanitarian settings. . LEARN MORE PROBLEM USING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SAFER BIRTHS The Problem We Care Solar envisions a world where all women survive childbirth, obtain life-saving care without unnecessary delays, and give birth with dignity in well-lit health facilities. We Care Solar promotes safe motherhood and reduces maternal mortality in frontline health facilities by providing health workers with reliable lighting, mobile communication, and medical devices using solar electricity. The Solar Suitcase design is based on 10 years of field research. The V3 prototype was tested in Ghana and Uganda, and end user and installer feedback was incorporated into the final design. We Care Solar builds local capacity through Solar Suitcase installations, use, and maintenance with in-depth training for installers and government technicians to create effective, sustainable programs. On-site training of health workers is a necessary component of their program model. Using evidence-based best practices to implement and strengthen their programs, We Care Solar is reflective and continually improving approach helps them ensure effective use of resources to maximize their impact. Solution THE WE CARE SOLAR SUITCASE The Solution The We Care Solar Suitcase provides health facilities in areas without reliable electricity with highly efficient solar energy systems to power medical lighting, mobile communication and essential medical devices and can be used in a range of medical and humanitarian settings. ​Key Design Features ​ Whole System Integration – The lighting, appliances, and power production components are delivered as one unit, designed for daily use. ​ Safety – The LFP batteries can safely be stored inside health facilities; the low-voltage DC system avoids shock hazard and includes over-current protection. ​ Low Maintenance – There are no fuses to replace and no regular battery maintenance is required. Battery replacement is estimated to occur every five years. ​ Durability – Our high quality components are designed for longevity, even in harsh environments. What We Did WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, We Care Solar was instrumental in changing outcomes for mothers and newborns by making childbirth safer. Together, we helped light multiple maternal clinics with We Care Solar Suitcases and train healthcare workers on their installation, use, and maintenance. $69.71 Average Contribution 660 Number of Donations $77,000 Together, We Raised

  • 2022 Kenya Connect | MDM

    BACK TO PAST BENEFICARIES BACK TO PAST BENEFICIARIES 2022 CAMPAIGN Founded in 2002 by Kenyan James Musyoka and Marylander Tim Gregory, Kenya Connect began with a vision of empowering rural Kenyan communities through education, originating from a simple Pen Pal program. Today, it impacts 18,000 students and 500 teachers across 62 schools in Machakos. With initiatives like the solar-powered Learning Resource Center, the "Magic School Bus," and the 2022 Library Learning Center, the organization bridges technology, literature, and resources. Complementing these infrastructural advances, Kenya Connect's health and educational programs—ranging from sanitary pads and eye screenings to STEAM classes and global exchanges—embody its commitment to holistic development, always championing local leadership and global connections. ​ During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural Kenya witnessed an alarming spike in teen pregnancies. We funded the creation of Kenya Connect's Girl/Boy Empowerment program to cultivate healthy relationships and avert the impending spiral into maternal and infant poverty resulting from teen pregnancy. LEARN MORE A Note from the Heart: " The backing from the Mothers’ Day Movement has been pivotal in jumpstarting this crucial initiative. We're thrilled to share our journey with you. Check out our specially curated Girl/Boy Empowerment video , an earnest portrayal by a talented Kenyan videographer. Deep gratitude for spotlighting Kenya Connect as your 2022 honoree." - Sharon Runge, Executive Director. PROBLEM EMPOWERING KENYAN GIRLS & BOYS TO CULTIVATE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS The Problem During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural Kenya witnessed an alarming spike in teen pregnancies, pushing girls as young as 14 years old into the vicious cycle of poverty. A collision of challenges—school closures, parental job losses, droughts, and more—intensified this crisis. Faced with the lack of essentials like food and menstrual products, girls have been coerced or forced into compromising situations. Misinformation about relationships and sex further deepens this crisis for both girls and boys. Spotlight: Kenya Connect on the Ground Break the cycle. Empower both girls and boys to cultivate healthy relationships and avert the impending spiral into maternal and infant poverty. Solution COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH The Solution Shape a future free from teen pregnancies and sexual violence; light the path for the next generation to step into a brighter, healthier future. Comprehensive Approach: Engage key community stakeholders from child protection officers to media representatives to co-create a sustainable strategy. ​ Empowerment Sessions: Weekly after-school enrichment focusing on topics from sexual education to career planning. ​ Parental Engagement: Workshops to guide discussions on sexual health, alongside support for income-generating activities. ​ Community-Wide Awareness: Harness local radio and WhatsApp to champion the anti-teen pregnancy cause, reaching out to our 62 partner schools. ​ Wings Poa Reusable Sanitary Pads: Distribute locally crafted sanitary pads, ensuring girls' uninterrupted schooling. What We Can Do WHAT WE DID TOGETHER With the funds raised from hundreds of people who joined the Mothers' Day Movement to shift gift-giving on Mother's Day, Kenya Connect helped shape a future free from teen pregnancies and sexual violence; lighting the path for the next generation to step into a brighter, healthier future. Together, We Raised $50,000

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