Our History

On January 1, 1998, Mary Olivia Mitchell, a grassroots activist, greeted the new year with a sincere desire in her heart to do more for her fellowman. Mary wanted to touch the lives of others in a positive manner, so she resolved to use her time, talents and money to carve out a unique ways of encouraging and empowering others to turn difficult times into blessings. After sharing her vision with several entrusted friends and family members, she set out to make her dream a reality. For eight months she explored ways to effectively disseminate free healthcare-related and spiritual literature in senior citizen and public housing facilities. Through her “Bread Ministry” outreach program she was able to help many needy families. And later that year she sponsored the “I Dare to Dream” scholarship in several elementary schools. Mary also supported a number of specialty “Self-Help” workshops in collaboration with local community-based organizations and churches.

In October 1998 the Mary Olivia Mitchell Nonprofit Spiritual Foundation, Inc., was incorporated with the sole purpose of promoting the spirit of volunteerism through outreach program and services that foster economic and social stability to senior citizens, children and families living in poverty, violence and/or addiction.

Mary’s Foundation is known as the MOM’s Foundation. It is an organization that has been strengthened over the years by the commitment, courage and dedication of its volunteer staff. A staff comprised of more than twenty professional, technical, paraprofessional and laypersons that volunteer their time and skills to promote the spirit of serving and helping those in need. MOM’s continues to partner with community-based organizations, religious institutions, and public and private businesses to further its mission.

Mary Olivia Mitchell ‘s personal motto is, “the beauty in serving others is that we quickly realize how blessed we are, and that there are many people far less fortunate that we are. And as we give of ourselves by serving, our joy for others allows us to forget about our own misfortunes.”