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. If you would like to learn more about this National contest, or plan to participate, please contact us or download the necessary information.
BOOKS FOR BABIES
American Mothers provides mothers of newborns with children's books, an application for a library card, coupons and information about American Mothers, Inc. Please contact us if you would like information about this AMI program.
MOTHERS AGAINST ABUSE
This program focuses 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 and designed by a young woman in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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.
CULTURAL & CREATIVE ARTS COMPETITION
American Mothers, Inc.® sponsors an annual Cultural & Creative Arts Competition which encourages mothers to to maintain and improve their creative talents. Competitions are held in
Art, Literature and Music (both
Vocal and
Instrumental). Preliminary competitions are held at the state level, however where no state competition is conducted, individuals may enter the National Competition by
contacting the National Office. Competitions are open to all mothers. All applicants must be a member of American Mothers or join AMI upon entering the competition. The winners are announced at the National Convention each spring.