Happy 4th of July from us to you!

Moms Adopting Moms

July Newsletter

Summer is here — sunshine, family time, vacations… and for parents, the wild juggle of work and keeping kids busy! If you’re like me, you’re trying to balance it all: deadlines, meetings, and making sure the kids don’t spend all day on screens.

One thing’s for sure — childcare is expensive, and finding last-minute babysitters can be stressful (and unpredictable!). That’s why at Moms Adopting Moms, we help every mom plan ahead. For example, applying for CAPS or Boys & Girls Club spots should start way back in March — not the week after school’s out.

Here’s the catch: programs like CAPS require proof you’ve been working at least two weeks before you qualify. Cash jobs “under the table” don’t count — you need paystubs or invoices showing at least 24 hours a week. And until that kicks in, if you don’t have family or friends to help… it’s tough.

So here’s my encouragement: be proactive! Don’t wait and hope a cousin or neighbor will watch the kids. Find scholarships, non-profits, and government programs early. If you live in Clarke County, apply for leisure services scholarships in advance so you’re ready when summer camps and activities open up — and trust me, log in early on sign-up day or the best spots will vanish!

Success isn’t just staying sober and working hard — it’s planning ahead. Use your phone, get a planner, and set reminders. A few minutes of prep now can save you weeks of stress later — and help you actually enjoy your summer.

So here’s to a summer of sunshine, family, and peace of mind — because you planned for it.

With Love!

Mary Rathbone

Founder & Executive Director, Moms Adopting Moms

New Fundraising Committee

We're thrilled to announce that Michelle Medlock, a valued member of our Board of Directors, is leading our brand-new fundraising committee! Michelle is spearheading efforts to plan our very first fall fundraising event, and we're looking for passionate, creative volunteers to join her. If you believe in our mission and want to help make this event a success, we'd love to have you on the team.

Interested? Please contact Michelle at michelle.medlock@arc-ga.org to learn more!

Now Seeking Our Next Board Chair

Moms Adopting Moms, Inc. is a growing, community-focused non-profit dedicated to helping biological mothers reunite with their children and thrive beyond reunification. We are seeking a dedicated, community-minded Board Chair to help guide our mission and expand our impact across Northeast Georgia. If you believe in second chances, strengthening families, and building bridges between foster and biological families, we'd love to connect with you.

Role: Provide strategic leadership, support fundraising efforts, and work alongside a passionate board and staff to advocate our vision: One Foster Mom, One Bio Mom -- Support Through Reunification and Beyond.

Commitment: Monthly meetings, community connections, and sharing your leadership and expertise to help vulnerable families succeed.

Interested? Reach out to Executive Committee Chair Christine Scartz at cmscartz@uga.edu to learn more about this meaningful opportunity. Together we can put an end to the foster care crisis.

On July 21, 2020, Samantha Casper lost custody of her children after a domestic dispute caused harm to her and her kids. Realizing her husband would not change, she began her recovery journey alone and achieved reunification on July 22, 2022.

Through determination, Samantha secured stable housing, rebuilt her finances, and provided for her children. But a near-fatal car accident made it nearly impossible to regain her footing—especially without reliable transportation.

In April, Samantha turned to Moms Adopting Moms for support. Facing the loss of her home, she found not just financial help but the encouragement and tools she needed to move forward. MAM provided her with a job, a car, childcare solutions, and ongoing guidance that helped her stay on track and reach for more.

Today, thanks to MAM, Samantha is planning to return to school and continue building a better future for her family. With the right support, her opportunities are limitless—and she’s determined to succeed.**

Beach Party & Grill Out!

Summer is in full swing. If you need a break and something to do in August before your kiddos head back to school, meet us at Sandy Creek Park Beach for a fun grill out, great fellowship, swimming, sun bathing and laughs. Cost is $2 per person but scholarships are available. Food and sodas/waters provided. So gather up all your kiddos, bring your beach towels and chairs and enjoy a day out with other bio and foster moms. We would LOVE to see you all there!

Date: Saturday August 16th

Time: 11am - 3pm!