How We Help
"At Mothers Helping Mothers, we believe strong families create strong communities. That’s why every program is designed to support, equip, and empower parents and children."
- Cheri DeVries, Executive Director
Free Store
Mothers Helping Mothers hosts on average 160 shopping days annually with up to 60 families per visit. We prep, restock and service over 5,000 shoppers annually. This is all made possible by our community donations, incredibly ranging from shoes to clothes for the entire family, toys to sporting goods, home décor to bed, bath, and beyond. Every little thing helps our clients save money! We don’t take furniture, appliances or used car seats or cribs – which is why we created on online FB marketplace for donors to give those items directly to families called Helping Hands Group.
CARES Personal Coach
Providing personalized support, resources, and guidance to help families build stability and resilience during life's challenges. Through the CARES program, MHM offers clients the opportunity to work with a dedicated "coach" who will support and encourage them every step of the way. Connecting families to valuable resources and hope - empowering clients from Survive to Thrive through financial literacy courses to connection support groups
Local Resources & Referrals
Text "RESOURCES" to 941-953-7572, and clients can instantly receive up-to-date local resources tailored to support their immediate needs. Anytime, anywhere—right at your fingertips! MHM is the first program in Florida to launch this program thanks to a partnership with the Barancik Foundation.
Connections Lounge
Our upstairs 'coffee lounge' hosts weekly support groups and informative sessions with community facilitators providing information and support aimed at building tools and relationships with other like-minded moms. Free childcare, diapers and rewards like Starbucks gift cards and a free MHM Shop Pass to skip the appointment line are given as incentives!
Free FB Marketplace
Our private Facebook Marketplace boasts over 7,700 donors and families connecting directly to provide free items from furniture to appliances, used car seats, cribs and everything in between.
Safe Ride
Transportation should never be a risk for your little ones. Through our Safe Ride Program, Mothers Helping Mothers provides free car seats to ensure every child in our community travels securely, no matter their family’s financial situation.
Safe Sleep
Through our Safe Sleep Program, we educate all of our clients on safe sleep practices through classes & resources. We also provide pack-and-plays, and specialized support for homeless families to ensure babies in our community are protected and cared for.
Baby Gear & Equipment
From strollers to high chairs, our Baby Equipment program ensures families have access to the essentials that make parenting easier.
Diapers & Wipes
Thanks to our generous donors, each mom with a child still in diapers, will receive a free sleeve of diapers and wipes at the end of each appointment.
Food & Formula
Access to food and infant formula is essential for healthy development. By providing these items, we ease financial stress and help families focus on raising healthy, thriving children.
Happy Birthing Bags
Not every new parent has the support of family, a partner, or a baby shower. Our Happy Birthing Bags are our way of celebrating mothers-to-be and making sure no one feels alone during this special time.
Refurbished Breast Pumps
Our volunteers refurbish donated pumps to help moms on the go. These kits are free to new moms.
Cloth Diaper Bank
The only cloth diaper bank in Southwest Florida! We provide free kits (valued at $500) to help moms save up to $3,000 with these donated modern cloth diaper systems.
Baby Wearing
Join our Baby Wearing 101 Facebook group to learn how to safely and comfortably wear your baby while keeping up with your fast-paced life.
Dignity Program
While we take gently used clothes of all kinds, we believe every child deserves a new pair of socks and undies which are generously supplied at every appointment thanks to our partnership with Bombas Socks and by community donations and donor drives.
Books To Go
Each family receives a free bag of age-appropriate books at their appointment. Our volunteers sort and bag donated books to pass out during visits. We support early learning for all our children.
Reusable Menstrual Cups
Helps to save thousands of dollars in feminine hygiene expenses with these reusable period cups. Good for the Earth and the body! Free to clients at their appointments.
Computers for Kids
Every child deserves the tools to succeed in school, yet many families cannot afford a home computer. By providing refurbished computers to students in need, we help level the playing field so children can complete homework, access online learning, and build digital skills for the future.
On-Site Health Clinic
Access to healthcare is critical for women and families to maintain overall health, prevent illness, and plan for the future. We partner with the Sarasota County Health Department to bring an on-site health clinic directly to our location. Clients can receive essential care without travel or additional costs, supporting their wellbeing and peace of mind.
Free Childcare Provided
We provide free on-site childcare during client shopping appointments and during classes in our Coffee & Connections Lounge.
Mobile Relief - South County
Our Mobile Relief Store provides clothing for the whole family, shoes, diapers & wipes, and more to families in South Sarasota, making resources more accessible —all at no cost.
Sew From Home
We teach new moms to sew free baby-wearing slings using donated fabric and sewing machines. This pays them per piece and allows them to contribute to their household income while staying at home with their infants. These modern baby carriers called “Ring Slings” are then given to MHM families during their appointment for free, bringing mom and baby closer together.
Transportation Assistance
Without reliable transportation, clients can easily lose their jobs, childcare vouchers and ultimately their homes. We supply gas cards, bus passes, ride share vouchers and in special circumstances, free used cars to eligible families.
Special Events for Clients
Our client-only events provide essential items, seasonal support, and fun activities to help families reduce stress and enjoy meaningful moments with their children.
Crisis Relief Outreach
Through our Crisis Relief Outreach, we distribute essential items like food, diapers, clothing, and hygiene products — while connecting families to local resources to help them recover and rebuild after an emergency or disaster.
Vehicle Donation Program
Through our Vehicle Donation Program, we accept donated vehicles, collaborate with local mechanics for repairs, and provide fully functional vehicles to eligible families in need—helping them maintain jobs and build stability.
