Who We Are
The ELM Foundation was established in 2024 by Jon Mauch and Britta Bergan. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity registered in the state of Washington, named after the initials of Jon's daughter. We are committed to offering support and resources to parents who have been falsely accused of child abuse by a co-parent during a custody case and to raising awareness about Medical Child Abuse (MCA).
MEDICAL CHILD ABUSE: a form of child maltreatment in which a caregiver fabricates, falsifies, or intentionally induces physical or psychological illness in a child, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful medical/mental health procedures and treatments.
The ELM Tree
The ELM tree has long been revered across cultures for its resilience, symbolizing strength, healing, and protection. In Native American cultures, it represents healing and peace, while in the U.S., it stands for freedom. Scandinavian traditions plant it for protection, and in Chinese culture, it signifies wisdom, harmony, and love. In France, the ELM tree is associated with justice. Its branches "bend but do not break," embodying the ability to withstand hardship.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide essential resources, information, and support for parents who have been falsely accused of child abuse by their co-parent during a custody case and to raise awareness about Medical Child Abuse. We are dedicated to empowering and uplifting these parents, offering a compassionate community where they can find guidance, understanding, and free resources. Our goal is to ensure that no parent feels alone in their experience, and to help them navigate through this challenge with knowledge, resources, and support for themselves and their children.
Our Vision