Monday, January 7, 2008

WHAT is MOPS?

MOPS groups are communities that strive to meet the needs of every mom with children from birth through kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be. MOPS groups can help!

Our MOPS group meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each MONTH during the school year.

Our MOPS group meets at Norwalk Alliance Church, 2755 Rt 250 South, Norwalk, OHIO ,44857

MOPS groups are chartered through local faith-based organizations. While each group is different, the MOPS program is built on several foundational principles:

Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to share this important season of life.

Mentoring: Mature women listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.

Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother.

Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, as well as for mothers of preschoolers. Women who are involved in MOPS gain confidence in their leadership skills through the training and experience they receive from MOPS.

The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:

Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.

Speakers: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.

Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.

MOPPETS: During MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.