By Nicholl McGuire
They were just like me, mothers, who had concerns with in-laws, spouses, raising children and other mother related challenges. As I sat listening to the stories of these mothers who belonged to a support and advocacy organization called Mothers & More, I couldn't help but think, "Where were these women when I was battling these issues all alone in my first marriage?" There were mothers in the group who worked outside the home while others stayed at home. They were tall, short, big, and small. These women weren't judgmental, it didn't matter if you were black, white, or in between, rich or poor, married or single, worked or didn't. There were far more important issues to discuss that related to our personal identity as a mother, wife, sister, and daughter. We had many more interests in common than differences. I enjoyed my visit and I will be back.
Mothers' groups are needed. When one feels all alone with the crying baby, annoying relatives, lack of money, and indifferent spouse, at times, you need someone who can relate to your struggles when your own mother may be of no assistance. I was glad to be invited to such an event and now I am inviting you.
The Pasadena Chapter of Mothers & More will hold its annual Open House on Thursday, October 16 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Conference Room (North/ West area of the Parking Lot Level 1) of the Whole Foods Market, 465 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105.
The Open House will introduce women to the many services Mothers & More provides. Some of which are as follows:
Resources designed to raise awareness on societal barriers that hinder a mother's ability to succeed such as POWER (Exploring Patterns of Women's Experience and Employment with Respect and Recognition for Mothers)this program offers members an opportunity to share in a selection of open and structured online discussions.
Chapter Programming meetings that discuss topics which fall inone of four categories: Personal Identity, Career Path/Paid Work, Personal Relationships, and Financial Literacy.
National Member Services: bi-monthly publication on work and family issues, conferences, interactive website, email loops, and leadership opportunities.
All prospective members may attend with no obligation to join. The event will be held without children and will feature refreshments from Whole Foods Market, door prize giveaways from Dream Dinners and others.
The Pasadena chapter offers two evening meetings a month with topical discussions and/or guest speakers, in addition to moms' nights out, playgroups, book club, opportunities to reach out to other mothers, and other social events and activities. Mothers & More offers a place where mothers can talk honestly about the ups and downs of motherhood and receive the support, friendship and affirmation of their many roles as a mother, a woman, and a unique person.
Serving over 6000 members in the US and beyond, Mothers and More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education, and advocacy. It addresses mothers' needs as individuals and members of society, and promotes the value of all the work mothers do. For more information or to join on line, log onto www.mothersandmore.org.
To learn about the Pasadena chapter of Mothers & More, log on to the chapter website at http://mandmpas.tripod.com or call (866) 206-9068 #3921
Don't feel alone any longer, obligated to a group that doesn't appreciate you, or simply pass on the opportunity to try something new, come on out and see what you might learn at Mothers & More.
Nicholl McGuire, Freelance Writer & Mother of Four, http://www.nichollmcguire.blogspot.com
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