Every Mother Deserves a Moment

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May 14, 2026

Interviewees: Shondelle Reis, Founder and Executive Director – JBR Family Pursuing Change 

Featuring mothers from Moms Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat 

Written By: Arielle Chung, Community Ambassador 

We’re a group of mothers in Scarborough. This Mother’s Day, we want to celebrate mums not just with words, but with real understanding. We want to remind them that it is okay to take a break, to rest, to connect, and to dream again. By sharing our experiences, we hope to show other mothers that they are not alone and that there is always a seat waiting for them here.

“Moms are amazing, but it really is a never-ending job. It’s 24/7 dedication with no holidays or promotions. We’re always working, always giving, and most of it goes unpaid and unseen — but we keep going because we love our kids.” 

— Mother attending Moms Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat 

Being a mother is a profession with no salary. Moms are wonderful. Moms are hardworking. And Moms carry an endless kind of love. But even endless love needs to be refilled, and even the strongest mothers need a moment to breathe. That’s why Moms Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat exists. This weekly drop-in program was created with one simple but powerful intention: to give mothers a safe, welcoming space to pause. 

“Shondelle is the mother I always wished I had. She’s become a real-life example that inspires me to grow into the mom I want to be for my children. Through her, I’ve found the courage to stand up for myself—and then for my kids and others as well.”  

— Mother attending Moms Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat 

As the Founder and Executive Director of JBR Family Pursuing Change, Shondelle brings a deep understanding of the ups and downs of motherhood to everything she does. She believes that behind every mother is a story that deserves to be heard. With that in mind, she created a space where mothers can slow down and feel truly supported. What began as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful program – one that gently reminds mothers that they do not have to carry everything on their own. 

“This is a place where I can just be myself and talk about how I’m really feeling without any judgment. I feel seen and appreciated here—not just as a mom, but as a person too. Coming here has become part of my weekly self-care routine, and it really helps me get through the week.”  

— Mother attending Mums Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat 

Every Wednesday, mothers come together to enjoy a light lunch and connect with the community in a space where their experiences are understood and their presence truly matters. In partnership with SCHC’s Family Wellbeing Program, each session also includes interdisciplinary professionals such as psychotherapists, social workers, registered dieticians, nurses, art instructors, and other experts who come together to offer holistic support. It is also a place to discover helpful resources, find community, and reconnect with yourself. 

To every mum, thank you for all that you do, even when no one is watching. If you need a moment for yourself, join us every Wednesday for Moms Need a Break: Sit, Sip & Chat and give yourself the same care you so freely give to others. There is a circle of support waiting for you.