Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 17, HOPE Church, located at 700 Cooper Road in Voorhees, will launch its sixth year hosting an outreach program for moms with children from birth to kindergarten. Known as M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers), the program offers a format that is nurturing, comforting and encouraging to mothers who often experience isolation and loneliness during this critical time of raising a child.
Guest speakers, refreshments, craft activities, fun and sistership are typical fare at meetings where women gain the opportunity to make new friends in similar situations in small, intimate group settings. Leaders who are former M.O.P.S. attendees that have had positive experiences with the organization and are eager to give back often lead these small groups.
An international organization, M.O.P.S groups have formed in 35 countries around the globe. There are nearly 4,000 groups meeting at any given time throughout the United States on a weekly basis.
Quality childcare in the church’s nursery affords mothers the opportunity to meet for presentations on timely issues, which provide moms with some much-needed respite and nurturing. The meetings then round out with mothers sharing together at tables of small groups where discussions covering various topics take place.
M.O.P.S. is a Christian-based organization that welcomes mothers wherever they are in their spiritual journey. The group’s mission statement is inclusive to all women no matter what their life or faith situation.
“Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, married or single, there’s something for everyone,” M.O.P.S. co-coordinator Heather Magladry said. “It doesn’t matter where
you are spiritually, all are welcome,” co-coordinator Carolyn Kim said.
The M.O.P.S. group at HOPE Church meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is $60 per mom, per semester and includes all materials and childcare. A $24 yearly registration fee to M.O.P.S. International is also required.
For more information, email M.O.P.S. Coordinators Magladry at HCranmer@yahoo.com or Kim at Cvettese@hotmail.com. Or, log onto MomsHope.com.
