There are a few groups in the area that some of you may be interested in. One of my favorites is MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). We meet at First Baptist Church in Mattoon on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month during the school year (starting on Sept. 19th) from 6:15 to 8:15 pm. The moms get together for a meal and some fun activities and get a chance to talk to each other while the children are nearby in classrooms eating their meal and having fun with other kids. Child care is provided. There is a yearly membership fee of $23.95, but they do offer scholarships based on income. They also have a group called Teen MOPS that is for young moms under 21. It meets every Thursday during the school year from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Another awesome group in the area is Moms for Moms. This is a parent-child playgroup that meets weekly on Wednesday mornings in various places. We usually do a potluck or pack a lunch and occasionally travel to fun destinations nearby. About once a month, there is a theme party and the kids play or do crafts while the moms visit. There is a yearly membership fee of $15 to cover expenses for craft materials, plates and eating utensils, etc. For information about joining this group, send me an email at kersh_marilyn@yahoo.com.
Parent to Parent is a monthly parent support group/playgroup that meets in the Education Center at Sarah Bush Lincoln on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm. They offer a variety of activities such as special guest presentations, discussion groups, Santa visits, and others involving relevant topics for moms and dads, or those expecting.
For children with special needs (autism, developmental delays, sensory disorders, ADHD, etc.), CIATS (Central IL Autism Therapeutic Services) offers a playgroup. For more information, call Vivian Skelley at 217-821-1752.
