MOPS brings moms together
A look at a group that strives to build a support system for mothers of young children
By Adam Hocking
Editor
MARSHFIELD — MOPS is a place for mothers to connect, relate, and learn. An international organization, MOPS stands for mothers of preschoolers and is a Christian ministry but welcomes women of all backgrounds to join the group.
MOPS’ slogan is, “We are moms, and we believe that better moms make a better world.”
The local MOPS group meets the first and third Thursday of each month during the school year from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at North Ridge Church in Marshfield. The coordinator for the Marshfield MOPS chapter—a volunteer position—is Diana Ugoretz. Before becoming the coordinator for the group, Ugoretz was a member of MOPS.
Ugoretz said the purpose of MOPS is to connect mothers of young children with a community of women.
“Essentially, it’s to bring moms together in the community and help them through those early years of raising children,” she said. “It’s just a way to bring moms together and build a community for them to just become better women and better moms.”
A mother may be in MOPS from the time she is pregnant up until her children finish kindergarten.
Prior to meetings, mothers may drop their children at MOPS-provided day care, which is run by one paid staff person and a group of volunteers known as MOPPETS. Ugoretz said that MOPS is always looking for additional volunteers interested in providing day care.
MOPS meetings generally consist of a breakfast where mothers can socialize, and then usually a speaker talks to the group.
“We’ll have generally a speaker come in, possibly from the community, … and then have discussion time where the moms can discuss what they’ve heard. Sometimes we do a craft or an activity just depending on the day,” Ugoretz said.
Ugoretz added that some speakers address serious topics, and some are more geared toward a light and fun discussion.
The experience of being a mother of a young child, Ugoretz noted, can be isolating, and the socialization involved in MOPS can help diminish that loneliness. She estimated that about 40-50 women attend the twice-monthly meetings.
“My main hope for the moms that come into it is that they just develop a circle of women that they can rely on in those years of parenting, that they can gain some friendships,” Ugoretz said.
Ugoretz, who has twin boys, said that when she moved to Marshfield she needed support, which she found through MOPS.
“I wasn’t from Marshfield originally. I didn’t have a big core group of women friends here already. I had no family here, so I didn’t have anybody to really just talk the day-to-day stuff of what was happening with my kids,” Ugoretz said. “For me I know that there (are) so many women out there that might be in that similar situation.”
MOPS hosts its “We Care Affair Fundraiser” on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Ridge Church. The fundraiser will have a craft/vendor fair, rummage sale, bake sale, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go towards MOPS and local families in need.
For more information about MOPS, visit mops.org or search “MOPS of Marshfield” on Facebook. Prices vary for joining MOPS depending on if women would like to attend a single meeting or commit to a longer term. For questions email Diana Ugoretz at [email protected] or call her at 608-963-5385.
MOPS at a glance
What is it: MOPS stands for mothers of preschoolers
Its mission: MOPS is dedicated to creating a support system for mothers
Where: MOPS meets in Marshfield at North Ridge Church
When: Meetings are the first and third Thursday of each month, from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
More info: Call Diana Ugoretz at 608-963-5385
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