MOMS Club Helps Stay-At-Home Moms Stay Connected

When Adrienne McDowell, of Fenton, and Jen Emmons, of Holly, first moved to the area, they were stay-at-home moms with no social connections. 

McDowell was a new mom in a new town and Emmons had two young boys and a lot of time with them on her hands.

"I had no idea what to do with my boys besides visiting the one local park we'd found," said Emmons.  

Being a first-time mom can be daunting, and being a stay-at-home mom can be isolating, especially if you're in a new place. Both McDowell and Emmons found community and support for themselves and their children in a group called MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club.

"Meeting other women going through the things I was going through with my infant son was so reassuring," said McDowell.  "I'm so grateful for the support and friendship."

MOMS Club, a non-profit organization, started in 2000. It brings together stay-at-home-moms from Linden, Fenton and Holly.  There are currently 27 members, many of whom were new to the area when they joined, with children ranging from 3 months to 12 years old.   

"That's the great thing about joining MOMS Club, you meet lots of people who have already been where you are in terms of raising children," said Emmons."You can get great advice, and then turn around and give advice to moms whose kids are younger than yours."

The group does everything from a Moms Night Out to field trips to and waterparks to craft and park days and playgroups that meet weekly.

"The weekly playgroups are hands down the best part of MOMS Club for me," said Jessa Matznick, Fenton, who has been a member since 2003.  "I look forward to my Wednesday chats with the moms in my group and most of all my kids look forward to playing with their friends each week."

The group has monthly membership meetings and a $20 annual membership fee, which goes towards service projects. Taking part in programs such as adopt-a-family at Christmas or donating to local charities is one thing that makes MOMS Club unique.

"MOMS Club gives back to the community in a way that many other playgroups do not," said Erika Haighen, of Fenton.

"Far and away the best part of joining is that I've met so many wonderful people," said Emmons.  "They're people that I can count on for not only mom stuff, but personal stuff too. We'd be lost without MOMS Club!" 

If you're interested in learning more or joining, visit www.orgsites.com/mi/momsclublf/  or contact a member at momsclublf@yahoo.com or 1-800-871-9012 ext; 59690.