Teaneck Moms Invited To The White House

Kathy Woods, Aliya Russell and Tanisha Day, all members of the Bergen County Mocha Moms were invited to visit the White House last week.

Mocha Moms, a national mother's group has come to the attention of the Obama administration.  Chapter leaders from around the country were invited to come to the White House for a briefing.  On February 16th and 17th, 150 Mocha leaders went to the White House to share our thoughts, ideas and experiences with the administration.  We met with policy makers, cabinet officials, representative from the First Lady's office, EPA, Education, Health and Human Services and others.   It was an amazing and empowering experience.  

The most informative part of the day was hearing moms from around the country speak so passionately about their children, families and the work being done to support underserved families.  We learned about programs (many I’d never heard of) that are already in place and we inspired new initiatives for the administration.  

The Mochas Leaders were asked to share information about existing family centered programs with our membership.  Here are just a few: 

(Google these programs for complete information)

Common Core Standards:  These are internationally benchmarked education standards for children. 

Text4Baby:  This program allows moms to receive free, weekly text messages to remind them when it’s time for shots, check-ups and other important health care information.

Green Ribbon Schools:  This program encourages and recognizes schools that are making a positive environmental impact.

Early Learning Challenge:  This is a grant program for those working to improve early learning and developmental programs for young children.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:  Loan forgiveness program for public service employees.

The Office of Minority Health:  The goal of the office of minority health is to reduce racial and ethnic health disparity.

Finally, we were joined by Karyn Parsons who played Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of BelAir.  Karyn shared with us about the organization she founded called Sweet Blackberry.

Sweet Blackberry:  Is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to bring little known stories of African American achievement to children everywhere.

And if all of that were not enough, members of Mocha Mom's have been invited BACK to the White House to join the President for a special announcement.

DAY 2 of our White House visit was a tour of the East Wing.  The first day of the DC trip was all business.  Day 2, was all about fun!  350 Mocha moms, dads and children lined up early in the morning to get a peek inside of the East Wing.

After MANY rounds of security checks, we had the opportunity to visit the only building in the country that is part office building, part residence and part museum.  Cameras are not allowed inside the White House, but we were provided with maps and lots of historical information about the building.

The Mocha Moms and mini's (that's what we call our kids) had a really great and educational time!

Mocha Moms is a national organization that was founded by a mother of color about 15 years ago.  This mom wanted to find other mothers of color in her area that were staying home with their children.  The original idea behind the group was basically playgroups and mom support.  Presently there are chapters all across the country.  We still have play groups and family events, but we also do social events, Mom's Night Out, charity work and outreach to under served communities.  These days Mocha Moms are not just people of color and not just moms.  We are stay at home moms and dads, working mothers and people from every racial and ethnic background.