Article and Photo by Allison Profeta/StauntonInsider.com
Motherhood is a crazy, joyful, hectic, and sometimes isolating ride through life. Central United Methodist Church in downtown Staunton has helped a group of moms start up a local chapter of MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers. They recently obtained their charter and are excited to celebrate an open house this upcoming Monday, September 16, 2014 beginning at 6:30 PM.
I spoke with Emily Stumb, the organizer behind the upcoming launch of MOPS. The group came about when Emily had her youngest child and realized there wasn’t a Staunton moms group like there had been when her older children were younger. She found a wonderful chapter of MOPS in Waynesboro, but felt there was a need for one closer to downtown Staunton that could be more easily accessible to Staunton moms.
The group is centered around providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment for mothers to connect with each other in meaningful, authentic ways. Meetings will be held twice per month at the Central United Methodist Church, on the first and third Mondays. The meeting on the first Monday of the month will be held in the morning and will feature a “MOPettes” program run by two retired teachers. The program will provide activities and crafts for children while their moms meet. The meeting on the third Monday of the month will be held in the evening to accommodate mothers who work during the day.
In addition to offering a support group for mothers, Staunton’s MOPS group will also offer networking opportunities for speakers from the community who are child-related practitioners and service providers to come and present to MOPS members at meetings. This gives mothers the chance to sample or learn about local resources for their family.
Members are welcome! Any woman with a child in utero up to preschool age (prior to entering Kindergarten) are welcome to join. Potential members are welcome to come to three meetings for free. There will be annual membership dues to join as a regular member (around $40 per year) that will cover things like food and craft items for meetings, and will include a subscription for each member to a magazine on mothering.
Visit them this Monday, September 16 at 6:30 PM at the Central United Methodist Church for their open house and to learn more about joining and connecting with other area moms.
Where to find MOPS:
Meetings will be held at Central United Methodist Church located at 14 N Lewis St, Staunton.
Like their Facebook page for more information! You can also email Emily Stumb, organizer, at [email protected] with any questions.
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