A group of local residents gathered at the Westfield Evangelical Free Church yesterday for the monthly Mom Connection meeting. The meetings are open to the public. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – The Mom Connection is a group for mothers who need advice, support and, sometimes, a little break.
Mom Connection Coordinator Sarah Beckman joined the group four years ago and said talking to other moms – most of whom are stay-at-home moms, work-at-home moms or home schooling moms – helped her get through some tough mommy days.
“Being a stay at home mom, you can start to feel isolated and you can feel lost,” Beckman said. “It really helped me a lot – it gave me a base to stand on.”
The Mom Connection meets monthly at the Westfield Evangelical Free Church, and while Christian values are part of the programming offered through guest speakers, Beckman said people of all faiths are welcome.
“You don’t have to be Christian to join us,” she said. “Every mom is welcome.”
Beckman said she does feel her faith has increased because of the group, which evolved 10 years ago from the former Moms of Preschoolers group.
Beckman said it’s nice to talk to other moms and the “seasoned” moms often offer advice and lend an ear to newer moms.
“It helps to know there is someone going through the same thing,” she said. “And we’re not about judging anyone.”
Each meeting has a theme with a speaker, time for questions and answers, and even a craft.
“The craft is nice because sometimes moms don’t get to finish things like that – we start things but we don’t always get to complete them,” said Beckman.
Every table is staffed with a “Mentor Mom”- a mom who has been there – to offer support and wisdom that comes from experience.
The Mom Connection offers free childcare during meetings. The volunteer childcare workers are all CORI checked.
The Mom Connection meets the second Tuesday morning of the month, September through May, from 9:15-11:30 a.m..
Mothers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to visit. If you do decide to stay, there is a $15/year registration fee and a suggested $3/month donation.
For more information, visit themomconnection.org.
