The Summerville Chapter of Mothers & More has donated more than $4,000 to Postpartum Support Charleston – a decision that came after the national organization of Mothers & More disbanded and the local chapter closed.
As the national organization closed, so did all the chapters, including Chapter 15 with 30 members in Summerville. Because all money raised by Chapter 15 was done so under the Mothers & More name, all funds were required to be turned back into the national organization when the closing date came. Prior to that, the group voted to donate its funds to Postpartum Support Charleston, explained Keri Scougale, former co-leader of Mothers & More Chapter 15.
Members of Mothers & More have launched a new organization, Summerville Moms, which now has almost 40 members. Summerville Moms is continuing where Mothers & More left off by being dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, connection and advocacy.
“There was no way to know if we would see any of that money again, but when we got the call that the majority of the funds we worked so hard to raise here locally were able to stay close to home and benefit other mothers in the Lowcountry, we were elated,” said Scougale, current co-leader of Summerville Moms. “As a chapter that was thriving, the closing of Mothers & More was very upsetting to all of us, but we’re glad to see something good come out of it. We are proud and honored to be able to help Postpartum Support Charleston and support their mission.”
The donation of $4,014.75 will further the work Postpartum Support Charleston helping Charleston area mothers struggling with postpartum mental health issues, such as postpartum depression or anxiety.
“This generous donation from Mothers & More Summerville chapter will allow our organization to do so much for mothers in the Lowcountry suffering with postpartum depression and anxiety,” explained Elaine DeaKyne, Postpartum Support Charleston board president. “Not only will we be able to provide more grants to mothers looking for financial assistance with therapy, but this will gives us an amazing opportunity to give back to the Summerville community. We have long talked about bringing a support group and providing more outreach materials to the Summerville area, and this money will allow us to continue spreading our message and offering much needed support to this community.”
Postpartum Support Charleston, run largely by volunteers, works with the local medical community to educate health care providers about postpartum mental health as well educating new moms, moms-to-be and their families about this issue. PSC also offers a number of peer-led support groups for moms who are struggling with postpartum mental health issues. For more information, visit www.PPDSupport.org.
About Postpartum Support Charleston
Postpartum Support Charleston is dedicated to educating and supporting mothers and their families, the medical community and the general public about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, available treatment options and community resources. We strive to increase awareness, inspire support and break the stigma of this widespread and often misunderstood illness both in our local community and across the country. For more information, visit www.PPDSupport.org.