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History

From Work to Home

Mothers & More was founded in 1987 by Joanne Brundage. Upon the birth of her second child, Brundage left her job as a letter carrier in order to stay at home full-time to raise her children. She soon felt the stress associated with the transition from full-time employment to at-home motherhood.

After placing a notice in her local newspaper, she heard from several mothers who also felt they needed to connect with like-minded women. The first meeting was held in August 1987 at Brundage's home in Elmhurst, IL.

The First Chapter

The organization was originally known by its acronym, F.E.M.A.L.E.—Formerly Employed Mothers at Loose Ends. Its first chapter (DuPage County, IL) quickly grew and received much local and national press attention. When the group was mentioned in Ms., Parents, and other national magazines, women across the country began inquiring about starting local chapters.

From Loose Ends to Leading Edge and More

The name Formerly Employed Mothers at Loose Ends described the feelings of many women as they transitioned from the workplace to the home. In May 1991, the name was changed to Formerly Employed Mothers At the Leading Edge to better describe the members and reflect the organization's commitment to educating and motivating businesses and government about the value and necessity of all mothers' work to our society - paid and unpaid, within and outside the home. F.E.M.A.L.E. officially became Mothers & More on June 1, 2000 to reflect the many additional roles mothers play during their active parenting years.

Mothers & More Turns 15

The year 2002 saw Mothers & More Celebrate Motherhood by commemorating 15 years of serving mothers through programming, information and resources that address the "other than mother" aspects of women's lives during their active parenting years. The nationwide network has grown to 170+ chapters and more than 7,500 members worldwide. The organization is looking to the future as an opportunity to positively impact mothers everywhere.

Help us celebrate 20 exciting years

In 2007, Mothers & More will celebrate its 20th anniversary.  The party planning has begun!  Great ideas will be shared for ways to celebrate with your chapter.