Mocha Moms, according to their website, is a support group for stay-at-home moms of color. I first heard about this organization because my good friend Laura used to go (back when her kids were at home and she wasn't working so much).

Here's the thing - my friend Laura is not a person of color, although she does happen to be a parent of children of color. She attended the meetings and get togethers because a)she has a lot in common with the women (stay at home/work at home mom parenting children of color) and b)she makes an effort to keep her kids connected to their ethnic background, even though she's a white lady.

Mocha Moms is a licensed non-profit group and they can't discriminate, and I can only speak to our most local chapter (Durham) but Laura felt nothing but welcome there. She told me that other adoptive parents of children of color who she's spoken to about Mocha Moms said they'd feel uncomfortable, but it seems like, from Laura's description, that that would be that person's own issue - not the issue of the women at Mocha Moms.

Here is their platform:

1. Non-Exclusivity -- We want to create an organization where ALL at-home mothers of color feel welcome.

2. Community Activism -- By serving our communities, members are able to hone or cultivate skills that are not currently being used in their jobs as moms. Further, it is important for our children to witness their mothers being involved in improving and giving back to the community.

3. Support for Work-at-Home Mothers -- Mocha Moms, Inc. intends to prepare a database of home-based businesses owned by Mocha Moms. This will enable mothers who work at home to connect and network.

4. Non-Partisanship -- Mocha Moms of all political, religious and other persuasions are welcome.

5. Commitment to Marriage -- Mocha Moms, Inc. is committed to supporting the at-home mother of color as she sets the foundation for her family and learns and grows as a wife and/or partner.

6. Self-Care -- Self-care is absent in the lives of many at-home mothers, but is crucial to maintaining a sense of well-being and balance.

7. Education of our Children -- We are committed to educating our children and offering support to help in this endeavor, whether our children attend public, private, charter schools or are homeschooled.

What's not to like about that? If you are not a mom of color but you've adopted children of color, this is a wonderful resource.