ABC QUILTS
ABC Quilts (At Risk Babies & Children's Quilts) was founded in 1988 by Ellen Ahlgren, to give love and comfort to at-risk babies in the form of handmade quilts, and to use this process to promote awareness, community service and prevention education. "At-risk" was defined as those babies born HIV-positive, affected by their mother's drug or alcohol abuse while pregnant, or abandoned. The international network of volunteers has delivered over half a million quilts since ABC Quilts was founded. American Mothers became involved with ABC Quilts in 1992, when its founder, Ellen Ahlgren was named the New Hampshire Mother of the year. In 2006, American Mothers adopted ABC Quilts as a National Project. Quilts are made and donated by people of all ages, and all skill levels. The completed quilts are distributed to local hospitals and agencies that deal with babies and children at risk. If you would like more information about ABC Quilts, please contact us!
5th GRADE ESSAY CONTEST
Each year, American Mothers, Inc. sponsors an essay contest for all fifth grade students or the equivalent, in the public, private and home school environment. The contest theme is "What My Mother Means to Me." Entries are accepted beginning every September 30th. All entries must be received by the AMI State or National Essay Contest Chairman by February 20th. Winners are announced at the end of March so the States are able to recognize their award recipients in time for Mother's Day. The first place entry from each state is sent to the National Fifth Grade Essay Competition. The first, second and third place national winners are recognized at the Annual Convention. Winners do not have to be present at Convention to win. You can learn more about this National contest, or plan to participate, right here.
BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS
American Mothers provides children books as AMI believes that good reading skills are essential to lifelong learning. These books are collected through book drives and collaborative projects with schools and community action groups. On the national level, in addition to collecting books for distribution in the annual national convention city each year, AMI is currently testing pilot projects with the Nevada Association of American Mothers and plans to launch a nationwide awareness program in the future.
MOTHERS AGAINST ABUSE
Mothers Against Abuse has expanded significantly this year and focuses on all aspects of abuse including maternal violence. We hosted a panel at the United Nations and published a national paper to raise awareness about this silent epidemic. Additionally, American Mothers continues its program focusing on children in middle school with the goal of helping to safeguard them from abuse. The booklet, "Be Strong" for girls was created for American Mothers. More recently, a companion publication for boys, "In Control" was created. The books are professionally printed in full color and are available to schools and organizations. Please contact us if you are interested in ordering these booklets.