Moms Not Forgotten, a nonprofit organization supporting birth mothers post-adoption placement, is hosting its third annual Mother’s Day Tea on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Oswego. This yearly tea party is traditionally held on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, which is otherwise known as National Birth Mom Day.

The organization was created in 2019 by founder and president, Jennifer Mueller, who is a survivor of childhood ovarian cancer. Mueller knew with her condition she would have to get creative in having children. She carried her first child through egg donor and in vitro, but due to complications in her pregnancy doctors recommended she not carry again. Years later, the Muellers welcomed their daughter from a loving birth mom and four months later they were told another daughter was on the way from the same birth mom. After both her daughters’ placement, Mueller wanted to find a way to recognize her daughters’ birth mom—to give thanks to her for the life Mueller had always imagined. This gave birth to Moms Not Forgotten and the idea of sending out “Bags of Hope” to birth moms to remind them they are seen and ultimately not forgotten post-adoption placement.

“Moms Not Forgotten was born out of the desire to support birth moms post-adoption placement,” says Kristy Hamilton, vice president and a hopeful adoptive mom. “We are pleased to send out ‘Bags of Hope’ to birth moms across the country that are filled with small gifts of encouragement.” Each bag is assembled through Bag Packing Parties where volunteers and members wrap small gifts, pack the gift bags, and then pray over each bag. “Our goal is that all birth moms, no matter where they are in their post-adoption journey, would feel loved, cherished, and known for choosing life and choosing adoption for their child,” says Hamilton. “We recognize that adoption can be born out of great loss and sacrifice.”

The entire team at the organization has a heart for adoption and desires to educate and support adoption in the local communities and beyond. Not only is Mueller an adoptive mom and Hamilton a hopeful adoptive mom, but their treasurer, Katie Haslow, is adopted herself. “We also have the privilege of working with amazing volunteers, including birth moms, who are guiding our outreach programs,” says Hamilton.

This year’s tea party is themed “Crowned in Love.” With an anticipated 225 attendees, guests will look forward to enjoying a traditional tea while hearing from speakers and birth mothers. In addition, Moms Not Forgotten is thrilled to welcome special keynote speaker, Tori Peterson, Mrs. Universe 2022. Peterson grew up in the foster care system and will tell her powerful story and her unique perspective on adoption. “Through the work we do at Moms Not Forgotten and from listening to the stories of birth moms, we are constantly inspired by their tremendous strength and fortitude,” says Hamilton.

“Often we are excited for the adoptive family as they bring that sweet little baby home,” says Hamilton, “but all too often the birth mom can be forgotten and not recognized or celebrated for her act of selfless love.” Moms Not Forgotten desires to change this by providing further services to include birth-mom support groups and in-person events so that these women can feel loved and supported.

For more information, call 847-840-3087 or visit momsnotforgotten.com.