Groups for Moms

Somewhere between changing diapers and shuttling kids to soccer games, a mom needs to find a place where she can be herself. Luckily, the Yakima area has many groups dedicated to helping moms network for support and friendship.

With several local chapters, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) has the largest local presence. MOPS is an international faith-based support group for mothers of infants through kindergartners.

Other groups each carve their own niche: MOMS Club focuses on organizing daytime activities for stay-home mothers, while La Leche League offers support and education for breast-feeding mothers.

Mommy Connection mixes playtime with the kids and time just for the moms. Other groups cater to teen mothers and mothers of infants.

New this summer is Apple Valley Mothers & More, the Yakima Valley’s first chapter of a national nonprofit organization that helps mothers address their own needs and interests as women who are raising families.

“The thing I like best about Mothers & More is that it’s not about defining mothers, it’s about helping mothers define themselves as individuals,” says chapter founder Melissa Paul.

The group will meet monthly in the evenings so that working mothers may participate. Focus areas include personal identity, career paths (including volunteer work), personal relationships and financial literacy.

Paul, who has two preschool-aged boys and also works part-time as an insurance agent, says the organization appealed to her because it focuses on a mother’s growth and development rather than her child’s.

“It’s not something that you’re ever going to age out of,” Paul says. “You could have teenagers, you could be pregnant. It’s not about the kids.”

— Sara Bristol