Due to unexpected construction delays, Mothers Helping Mothers will be closed Thursday evening and Friday for donations and client appointments. If you had an appointment scheduled, please check your text messages and email for important updates and rescheduling information.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Mothers Helping Mothers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing essential necessities, resources and support to families in need with children under 18 or are currently pregnant throughout Sarasota & Manatee counties. We are committed to supporting families by fostering resiliency, self-sufficiency and stability in our local community.

 

We work directly with other local organizations and agencies. By sharing services, our hope is to work together to lighten the burden for struggling families in our community.

Our Origin Story

In 1990, Terry Stottlemyer and Madeline Brogan noticed a family struggling to transition from a local Salvation Army facility and felt compelled to help. What began as a simple effort to provide support led to the founding of Mothers Helping Mothers. Starting in a garage, they gathered donations from friends and family, responding to the growing need in their community.

As word spread, the organization expanded into a vital resource for families, assisting thousands of families each year. The store allows families to select clothing, toys, and baby essentials three times annually, helping them find the support they need. Additionally, we offer emergency assistance to help families in crisis avoid eviction and maintain stability.

With around 150 dedicated volunteers, we continue to thrive, supported by the generosity of our community. Mothers Helping Mothers remains committed to empowering mothers and families, honoring the spirit of our founding mothers as we work together to uplift those in need.

Mothers Helping Mothers Founders

Pictured: Mothers Helping Mothers co-founders and board members Madeline Brogan (Left) and Terry Stottlemyer (Right) in our early storefront in 2010

Our Team

Cheri DeVries

Executive Director

Cindy Hammersand

CFO & Systems Management

Donna Love

Donna Love

Client Resource Director

Brandy Grace

Connections Lounge Coordinator

Rosemary McMullen

Lead Store Operations

Starla Wilson

Childcare Coordinator

Amanda Hale

Brand & Campaign Strategy

Terry Stottlemyer

Board Chair & Co-Founder

Madeline Brogan

President & Co-Founder

Donna Love

Donna Love

Board Secretary

Sue Monohan

Sue Monohan

Board Treasurer

Carolyn Alves

Board Member

Shea Davis

Board Member

How We're Making a Difference

$ 0 +

In Financial Assistance

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In Safe Sleep & Safe Rides

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Families Served Since 1990

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Donated Volunteer Hours

We are paused for store donations until Friday, Feb. 27th due to construction.

Vote for Best Local Nonprofit until Wed. 2/4 @ Midnight

Votes can be cast once per day!

*You do NOT need an appointment to request assistance for resources, referrals, or emergencies. Click the Assistance Request link to reach us for those issues.

Quick Rules for Shopping Appointments

You will be able to book your appointment after you’ve scrolled down.

Who Can Be a Client

  • Must live in Sarasota or Manatee County

  • Have custody of children under 18 or be pregnant (must bring proof of children/pregnancy at your first visit only)

  • Pregnant? Shopping for baby items starts 60 days before due date only

  • Bring ID/passport to each appointment

About Your Visit

  • Appointment required (no walk-ins)

  • Shop once every 4 months

  • Only you, spouse, and registered children may shop (no guests)

  • 40 minutes per visit to shop

  • Item limits apply — shop for your family only

  • Free childcare is provided on most days

Baby Items – New Baby Items are only provided 60 days before delivery date!

  • New Clients book an appointment and shop can shop within 60 days of delivery. 

  • Returning Clients – If you’re within 60 days of your due date, and it’s not time to return, you can book an appointment for just ‘Baby Only Items’. If it’s been 4+ months since your last visit, just schedule a regular appointment to shop the whole store plus get your baby items.

  •  The special Baby Only Items appointment won’t affect regular clients scheduled return date.  

Appointments & Cancellations

  • Returning too early? Your appointment will be canceled & you will need to reschedule

  • Times available every 15 minutes – Book only one slot on your desired day

  • Enter name exactly as it is on your ID + correct email/phone

  • No Show Policy: 1 free miss. After that, a missed appointment will be counted as a visit and you won’t be able to return for 4 more months.

  • Click here to cancel or reschedule your existing appointment.  

👇 Click below to book your appointment once you’ve read the full policy.

Text "RESOURCES" to 941-953-7572 to connect with community resources in Sarasota & Manatee counties