Image Above: Kids Rock Concert Fundraising Event @ Stottlemyer's Smokehouse |
Welcome & Seasonal Accomplishments |
Summer is a time of growth, renewal, and possibility — and thanks to your continued support, Mothers Helping Mothers is growing in more ways than one. We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and heartfelt stories that highlight the incredible impact you’ve made possible this season. Big things are blooming—Our storefront is growing! Construction on our second-floor expansion is expected to begin before the end of the year. This much-needed growth will allow us to serve more families with dignity and care in a welcoming, organized space. We also recently installed a new digital marquee sign gifted by the American Red Cross and acquired a 16ft box truck from Volunteer Florida, which will help us improve communications and better manage incoming donations and seasonal inventory. We’re incredibly thankful for their continued support. This year has also been marked by the incredible success of our Kids Rock Concert fundraising event, hosted by the generous team at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse. With a high-energy performance by beloved local band Twinkle, the event packed the house and raised over $16,000 — all in support of the families we serve. "It was a joyful celebration of music, mission, and community spirit, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it possible." - Cheri DeVries, MHM Director |
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Because of your support, we’ve continued to grow impactful programs that empower and uplift families: |
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| The CARES Program Launched! |
Designed to empower families from Survive to Thrive, our CARES Program offers long-term support through one-on-one coaching, practical resources, and empowerment tools. It’s helping families take confident steps toward stability and success. Volunteer coaches are always needed.
Email vol.mhmsarasota@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about how you can help make an impact helping from home. |
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| Sew From Home: Ring Sling Program |
MHM is helping mothers — quite literally! Our Sew From Home initiative allows clients with new little ones at home to earn $15/hr making these handmade ring slings baby carriers. We supply the materials for free and Rockin' Bobbins sewing club is helping teach moms the skill of sewing. The slings are then given to other moms free of charge, creating a beautiful cycle of support and care. We'd love any donated tablecloth-type fabric or working sewing machines if you'd like to help! |
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FREE Birth Control Class and Clinic |
In partnership with the Sarasota Health Department, we now have an onsite clinic and class monthly to help our moms gain access to and education on birth control. Clinic appointments are every 4th Wednesday of the month by appointment — a critical step in expanding access to reproductive healthcare for underserved mothers. Clients can request appts - CLICK HERE |
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From Struggles to Strength: Client Spotlights |
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After surviving back-to-back hurricanes and fleeing an abusive relationship, Astacia came to Mothers Helping Mothers during a time of crisis. As a single mom without a vehicle and facing the temporary loss of her son to foster care, she found support through our CARES Program.
With guidance, encouragement, and transportation support provided through our partners at Suncoast Community Church and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Astacia regained stability.
She now says, “Without MHM, my story would be so different." |
| Ronnesha, a single mother of three and a cosmetology student, has been part of the Mothers Helping Mothers community for over seven years. During that time, she’s received critical support — from rent assistance to transportation support — allowing her to get her family to school and work safely. She shared, “They go above and beyond for us mothers.” Thanks to your generosity, Ronnesha and so many others continue to find strength, stability, and support when they need it most. |
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We’ve seen a 30% increase in the need for car seats — more babies are being born, and our shelves are struggling to keep up. While we’re grateful to have a reliable vendor offering us special pricing, it still costs us over $9,000 each month to meet this growing need. And because we do not accept used car seat donations (for safety and liability reasons), we rely entirely on purchasing new ones for our clients unable to afford them. You can help make a difference! A donation toward this essential expense ensures that every baby leaves our store safely secured. And when you donate through the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, all individual or charitable trust donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500 a month. (max $3000 per year). So your gift of $100 can purchase 2 seat when doubled! That means DOUBLE the safety, DOUBLE the impact! Please consider giving today — together, we can keep our littlest clients safe on the road. |
| South County Pop-Up Trailer: A New Chapter Begins! |
We’re thrilled to announce that pop-up mobile trailer events will now be alternating monthly between North Port and Palmetto. This is an exciting next step for us — as we expand north to help even more families. A BIG heartfelt thank you to Roberta & Steve Timberman, who ran our South County pop-up trailer with unwavering dedication for the last 3 years. As they move out of state, we remain deeply grateful for the incredible impact they made. When we first learned they were leaving, our team scrambled to figure out how we’d fill such big shoes. But in what felt like a divine connection, Larry Grant with Awakens Church in North Port, along with a few of the original pop-up team volunteers, took over the wheel, and the South County mobile trailer will continue to operate, now every other month. In addition, a longtime friend and community partner of MHM, Lynette White, stepped up, generously offering her team's support and energy to bring it North to Manatee County on alternating months. In 2025 alone, this trailer served 744 people through 22 pop-ups, delivering essential support to families in South County who couldn’t reach our main location. Follow us on social media @MHMsarasota for location dates and times starting in August. We can’t wait to keep growing with you!! |
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Summer Volunteers Needed More Than Ever!
Summer is our hardest season for staffing — many of our amazing snowbird volunteers are away, and we need local help more than ever. Mothers Helping Mothers runs 100% on volunteer power. Just a few hours a month can make a big difference!
Ways to Help:
• Sort & hang donations
• Assist clients in-store & check-in
• Help from home with admin or clothing prep
Join us and make a real impact this summer!
Interested?
Email vol.mhmsarasota@gmail.com |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy Graff |
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| Cathy Graff has been a dedicated leader at MHM for the past four years, serving as volunteer coordinator, CARES coach, and resource navigator. She helped train volunteers, manage community groups, and guide clients through financial literacy and aid programs. Cathy’s impact reminds us that a mother’s work—and a volunteer’s heart—is never done... |
Story written by: Sandy Chase - Volunteer writer for MHM |
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Statistics & Financial Impact |
By the Numbers: Your Support in Action This Year |
Line Graph Below: Displays the total amount of funds raised in January 2025 through June 2025. |
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TOTAL FUNDS RAISED THIS YEAR: $272,062!!! |
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Thanks to the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, every dollar donated by individuals or private foundations will be matched up to $500 per month (up to $3,000 per year) — doubling your impact! Because we have no rent, debt, or electric bills—thanks to solar power—and benefit from thousands of volunteer hours, nearly every dollar goes directly to supporting local families in need. $25 becomes $50 — so donate today and make twice the difference.
(Business donations are not eligible for matching - visit our website to donate directly.) |
Bar Graph Below: Illustrates the amount that was donated to MHM through Flanzer Trust and the amount Flanzer Trust matched from January 2025 to June 2025. |
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This Year, Your Support Bloomed into Impact From January through June 2025, your generosity helped local families weather real storms and take meaningful steps forward. At Mothers Helping Mothers, we don’t just provide things — we provide safety, dignity, and hope. Thank you for making this impact possible — your donations go directly into the hands of local families working toward a better future. • Distributed $28,046.42 in emergency financial aid to families facing crisis. • Hosted 2,456 families to shop for their children, benefitting a total of 4,988 kids. • Ran 22 Pop-Ups events, bringing support to 744 attendees in areas far from our main location. • Offered 109 classes with 272 participants focused on parenting, safety, and self-sufficiency. • Responded to 265 individual help requests, including 107 new CARES cases — 24 of which we’ve already fully supported. |
Community Support in Action |
A key part of our mission is ensuring every baby has a safe place to sleep and safe transportation. That's why we regularly purchase new car seats, bassinets, and pack-n-plays to keep in stock for families who come to us in urgent need. |
Pie Chart Below: Displays the number of baby equipment that was given to clients that were in need this Year-To-Date (January 2025 - June 2025). |
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We're Running Low on the Following:
• Housewares
• Girls Clothing: 18 months & 3T • Boys Clothing: 3T, 4T, 7/8, and 14/16 • Women's Clothing: Maternity (All Sizes) • Strollers, Highchairs, Baby Equipment • Breast Pumps w/ Power Cords • Kids Shoes |
| Donation Drop-Off Hours & Locations |
Main Location:
5933 N. Washington Blvd, Sarasota
(On 301, just south of University Pkwy — look for the purple roofs!)
Drop-Off Hours at Main Location:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of each month
8:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Additional Drop-Off Location:
Suncoast Community Church
8000 Hawkins Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
(Near Clark Road and I-75)
Additional Drop-Off Location Hours:
Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
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Giving Feels Good—and It's Tax-Deductible!
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to Mothers Helping Mothers are tax-deductible. That means your generosity not only makes an impact in the lives of local families, but also provides a benefit at tax time. Be sure to ask for a donation receipt when you drop off items! |
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1st Annual MHM 5K/1M Walk
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| We'll begin collecting toys and distributing donation boxes to our amazing community partners. Get ready to help us make the holidays magical! |
| Mark your calendar! Our Power of Purple Gala returns to The Grove for another unforgettable night of impact and celebration. |
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Annual Power of Purple (POP) Gala |
Our 3rd Annual 2025 Power of Purple (POP) Gala brought together our amazing MHM community — and raised over $55,000 to support local families! Don't miss our next one March 7th 2026! Experience the magic again—watch our recap video: |
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Annual MHM Kids Rock Concert |
Our 2025 Kids Rock Concert was a huge success, raising over $16,000 to support local families — all thanks to you! The event was filled with great music, happy kids, and community spirit.
Check out our short recap video to relive the moment: |
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From the expansion of services to the success stories we see every day, none of this would be possible without you — our donors, volunteers, and community partners. You are the reason we can continue planting seeds of hope and creating real, lasting impact. Thank you for standing with us — and for believing in a future where all families have what they need to thrive. |
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