Mothers group has evolved for 20 years

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The group formed in 1987.

BOARDMAN — The Youngstown Area chapter of Mothers & More will have an open house at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Boardman United Methodist Church on Market Street.

Mothers & More, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by getting down to its traditional basics — helping mothers make connections.

When it began in 1987, then FEMALE (Formerly Employed Mothers at Loose Ends) was a life-line to mothers who had left their careers to care for their children at home.

Mothers experiencing this change felt isolated, invisible, lost. Through the years, the organization has grown, reaching out to help more and more mothers.

It later changed its name to mean Formerly Employed Mothers At the Leading Edge, a tribute to the growing power felt by its members to change the societal attitudes and practices that marginalized them.

Another evolution

In 2000, the organization went through another evolution, changing its name to Mothers & More, to reflect that many of its members were no longer "formerly employed," but rather "altered" in their career paths to accommodate their mother roles.

The Youngstown Area chapter has been active for 14 years in the Mahoning Valley. Member benefits include fun and thought-provoking meetings, moms nights out, book club, children and family activities, play groups, special events and more.

Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the church.

The annual open house will be held without children to allow mothers to focus solely on themselves. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given. All prospective members may attend with no obligation to join.

The meeting will celebrate mothers and the 20th anniversary of Mothers & More. The discussion topic will be "Friendships Then and Now."

Tuesday, May 8, 2007