A Seed is Planted
This year marks the birth of MDM, driven by the vision of Mary Ellen Collins, PhD. The initial focus was on providing support and resources for motherless daughters.
The First Steps
These early years were dedicated to laying the groundwork. Support groups for Motherless Daughters kicked off in 2000, offering a safe space for connection and healing.
The Journey Begins
A pivotal moment arrives in 2003 with the creation of the “12-week Journey course.” This structured program provided a roadmap for daughters on their healing journey.
Onward and Upward
The success of the Journey course fueled further growth. Onsite support groups, launched in 2004, saw a surge in participation, highlighting the growing need for MDM’s services.
Building a Foundation
The year 2010 marked a period of solidification. New manuals were created:
Participant manual for the Journey course
and a facilitator manual,
ensuring consistency and quality in program delivery.
Expansion and Recognition
- Recognizing the diverse needs of mothers with emotionally absent relationships, MDM expanded its offerings. The “Emotionally Absent Mother Course” debuted in 2012, catering to a specific audience.
- 2012 also saw the launch of the first MDM website, establishing a more formal online presence.
A Year of Transformation
- 2014 was a watershed year for MDM. The organization achieved official non-profit status under 501(c)(3), granting legitimacy and opening doors to new funding opportunities.
- This year also saw the development and launch of the “Daughters of the Narcissistic Mother” program, further demonstrating MDM’s commitment to addressing specific needs within the motherless daughters community here.
- To solidify leadership and governance, the first board of directors was formed in 2014.
- Reflecting the organization’s growth, a completely revamped website was launched, showcasing intensive development and a more professional online presence.
- Finally, 2014 witnessed the creation of a Facebook page for MDM, marking the beginning of a dedicated online community.
Reaching New Heights
- With the Google Ads Grant for Nonprofits approved in 2015, MDM’s reach began to expand significantly.
- The organization’s commitment to strategic planning was solidified with the creation of the 1st Strategic Plan in 2015.
Expanding Offerings and Embracing Digital Space
- The years 2016-2019 saw further program development with offerings like the “Road to Forgiveness” course and the first-ever “Journey Retreat.” Onsite support groups and events continued to thrive in locations throughout Cincinnati.
- The year 2020 marked a significant shift with the launch of online courses, catering to a wider audience and offering greater flexibility. These online programs continue to be offered to this day.
- Recognizing the power of connection and inspiration, MDM embarked on “Monday Morning Ministry Moments” (4M4U) in 2020.
- Embracing the growing popularity of podcasts, MDM launched its own bi-monthly offerings in 2021.
- Keeping pace with the evolving digital landscape, a 3rd new website was launched in 2021.
Continuing the Journey
- In 2023, MDM broadened its offerings by introducing coaching services, providing personalized support for daughters on their healing journeys.
- The organization further expanded its programming by offering a Bible study program in 2023.
- The most recent update, in 2024, reflects MDM’s dedication to keeping its online presence current with updated website wording.
- Major focus on streamlining and refocusing our services to meet our ever-expanding motherless daughter’s needs.
- Rebranding our course names.
Daughters of the Narcissistic Mother becomes “Breaking Free: Healing from a Narcissistic Mother.”
Facilitator course becomes “Guiding Groups to Greatness.”
EAM becomes “Healing Your Emotional Abandonment.”
Road to Forgiveness becomes, “Forgiveness: The Path of Reconciliation on the Journey to Healing.” - Expanded group leader training.
- Starting
– “CCC” connections and conversations community support groups.
-Age of loss series.
-You were made for more series.
-“Meet the Author” series.
A Year of Growth
- Onboarding New Executive Director (1st paid position)
- Connections & Conversations Circles began with
- CCC for Daughters of a Narcissistic Mother
- CCC for Mother Loss by Suicide
- Expanding to include:
- CCC for Daughters of an Emotionally Absent Mother
- CCC for Mothering without a Mother
- CCC for Recent Loss
- CCC for Surviving Loss
- New Soon to be added circles:
- Intergenerational Healing
- Mother Loss by Addiction
- Developed coaching packages for 1 one-hour, package of 5 and package of 10.
- Expended coaching to reach niche specific types of mother loss Including:
- Coaching for Daughters of a Narcissistic Mother
- Coaching for Daughters with an Emotionally Absent Mother
- Coaching For Mother Loss by Suicide
- Coaching for Recent Loss
- Coaching for Surviving Loss
- Coaching for Freedom of Forgiveness
- Coaching for Life Skills
- Coaching for Starting a non-profit women’s ministry
- Trained 1st group leader from India
- Hosted 10th annual successful Journey Retreat
- Achieved Platinum Level of transparency from Candid
- Working towards collaborations and partnerships
- Continue collaboration with Liberty Mutual Give with Liberty program.
- Welcomed new grant researcher and writer.
- Featured in Cincinnati Magazine for Mother’s Day edition.
- Danyetta Najoli, our Executive Director is named 2026 Emerging leader by OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Be part of our next chapter
Join us to help shape our future
A Prayer to Begin
Motherless Daughters Ministry will be walking beside you if not physically, in spirit.
May God bless you and loosen the strongholds of loss and grief so you may experience all the richness and blessings that He has for you.May He give you new insights and knowledge so you may choose how to manage your loss instead of your loss managing you.
May He change the way you look at your past.
Amen.