![]() Aimee Bingham Osinski [email protected] Children and their mothers filled Timbertown park September 6th for Chelsea MOPS Open House. Moms arrived from Dexter, Chelsea, Stockbridge, Grass Lake, Manchester and other surrounding communities to enjoy a day at the park and register for MOPS 2019-2020. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and was founded 45 years ago when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Heather Turek, one of the directors of Chelsea MOPS, explained that she found MOPS when her oldest daughter was four months old. She was at home suffering from Postpartum Depression and feeling very isolated. She reached out for help on Facebook and was encouraged to join MOPS by friends. That Friday she went to a meeting and joined. “I never would have imagined joining and finding as many friends as I have through this process,” Heather stated. She further elaborated that, “It fills my soul and is an opportunity to connect with other women.” She no longer feels isolated or alone. Other members echo Heather’s feelings expressing the simple joy in having two hours of uninterrupted conversation, a place to get mom questions answered, knowing that as a mom, you aren’t alone and your struggles are normal. The private Facebook group provides mothers with a place to vent about struggles with their children, questions about milestones and requests for anything from recipe ideas to ballet slippers to borrow. MOPS offers a variety of opportunities to connect. Twice a month, MOPS meets for planned discussions, coffee, and breakfast at Chelsea First United Methodist Church. Childcare is provided so mothers can take a break and spend time connecting with each other. Topics of discussion include marriage, childhood development, finding the best female friends and anything that a mother of a young child might find helpful. Some meetings have speakers including therapists, professional organizers and yoga instructors. And some involve crafts, pampering, and games. Once a month, MOPS organizes a Mommy and Me event and well as a Mom’s Night Out. Participation is up to the mother. The international MOPS website, mops.org, takes a religious tone. When asked, Heather explained that it’s a ministry of mothers and that anyone of any walk of faith can join. Though it is Christian based any mother of a young child is welcome. Chelsea MOPS is still accepting members. Mothers of children 0-5 years old from Chelsea and surrounding communities are encouraged to check out www.mops.org. If you’re interested in joining, you can reach out to Chelsea MOPS on Facebook, or email [email protected]. Spaces are still available in the childcare rooms and scholarships can be provided for mothers in need. The first MOPS meeting of 2019-2020 school year is Friday September 20th at Chelsea First United Methodist Church from 9am to 11 am and will continue to meet twice a month until May.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
ChelseaNews and information |