The Mothers’ Center of Central NJ is a non-profit organization committed to building and fostering a community of support and empowerment for all mothers. Established in 1978, we offer many opportunities for local moms to connect through daytime and evening activities. Our philosophy is built on a foundation of peer support and education. One of our moms said it best in one of our newsletter:
The idea of something for the kids and something for me is a little bit of why I need and enjoy the Mothers’ Center so much…it is a place that lets me be myself and my children have fun, too, and I don’t have to apologize for it. I can do Zumba or chat with my friends, and my children can play with theirs. The beauty of the Mothers’ Center is that it helps with the stress instead of adding to it – crazy, I know!! Another thing that I love about the center is that there are so many different types of women coming together, and in most cases, it feels like the center offers something for everyone.
Our Vision: Create and foster a community of support for all moms.
Our Missions:
Create a network of support and friendship through mentorship, playgroups and outings.
Foster a safe, inclusive and non-judgmental environment where moms can share the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Cultivate peer-to-peer support and be a resource to moms.
Pursue opportunities to make the local community a better place for moms and their children and partners.
Offer educational programs at all stages of mothering to prepare moms for the next steps.
Where is the Mothers’ Center?
Starting in 2021 MCCNJ partnered with Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim (TBEMC), conveniently located in the heart of Cranford. Many of our programs are housed at TBEMC but you can find many members meeting at playgrounds and restaurants around Union County.
History of our Mother’s Center
After reading an article in a sociological journal about a Mothers’ Center on Long Island, Carol Goodman advertised in the Suburban News, searching for women interested in starting a local Mothers’ Center. Five women met in July of 1978. At that time, no one but the moms themselves seemed to understand that motherhood comes with isolation and frustration as well as joy. Through peer-facilitated discussion groups, moms could share their experiences with other moms in a trusting, respectful environment.
In February of 1979, the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey welcomed members with a workshop at the Scotch Plains Library on the “Stress of Motherhood.” Thereafter, evening groups met in a members’ homes. During the second year workshops and groups were held at the Westfield Public School Administration Building. That same year we sponsored an all-day conference entitled “Mother Care: Viewing Motherhood as a Growth Experience,” a dramatic outreach to the community.
In June of 1980, in affiliation with the Westfield Y, we began offering daytime groups and childcare. Our membership doubled. Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) became incorporated in 1984. In 1985, MCCNJ received a $10,000 grant to begin an on-site babysitting program and we moved to the Crescent Ave. Presbyterian Church in Plainfield. Also in 1985, our semi-annual kids’ stuff consignment sale started as the major fundraiser for rent, insurance, and babysitting. Our membership boomed to over 100 women. As an all-volunteer cooperative, it was difficult to keep up with the growing need while still fulfilling the mission.
After a 6-year search for a new home, MCCNJ moved in 2004 to Cranford United Methodist Church and then in 2006 to Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2008, MCCNJ moved to Garwood Presbyterian Church. In 2021 MCCNJ moved to Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford where we have enjoyed a comfortable balance between nurturing our members and reaching out to others. After decades of growth and change, MCCNJ continues to serve yet another generation of moms.
About Us
The Mothers’ Center of Central NJ is a non-profit organization committed to building and fostering a community of support and empowerment for all mothers. Established in 1978, we offer many opportunities for local moms to connect through daytime and evening activities. Our philosophy is built on a foundation of peer support and education. One of our moms said it best in one of our newsletter:
Our Vision: Create and foster a community of support for all moms.
Our Missions:
Where is the Mothers’ Center?
Starting in 2021 MCCNJ partnered with Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim (TBEMC), conveniently located in the heart of Cranford. Many of our programs are housed at TBEMC but you can find many members meeting at playgrounds and restaurants around Union County.
History of our Mother’s Center
After reading an article in a sociological journal about a Mothers’ Center on Long Island, Carol Goodman advertised in the Suburban News, searching for women interested in starting a local Mothers’ Center. Five women met in July of 1978. At that time, no one but the moms themselves seemed to understand that motherhood comes with isolation and frustration as well as joy. Through peer-facilitated discussion groups, moms could share their experiences with other moms in a trusting, respectful environment.
In February of 1979, the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey welcomed members with a workshop at the Scotch Plains Library on the “Stress of Motherhood.” Thereafter, evening groups met in a members’ homes. During the second year workshops and groups were held at the Westfield Public School Administration Building. That same year we sponsored an all-day conference entitled “Mother Care: Viewing Motherhood as a Growth Experience,” a dramatic outreach to the community.
In June of 1980, in affiliation with the Westfield Y, we began offering daytime groups and childcare. Our membership doubled. Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) became incorporated in 1984. In 1985, MCCNJ received a $10,000 grant to begin an on-site babysitting program and we moved to the Crescent Ave. Presbyterian Church in Plainfield. Also in 1985, our semi-annual kids’ stuff consignment sale started as the major fundraiser for rent, insurance, and babysitting. Our membership boomed to over 100 women. As an all-volunteer cooperative, it was difficult to keep up with the growing need while still fulfilling the mission.
After a 6-year search for a new home, MCCNJ moved in 2004 to Cranford United Methodist Church and then in 2006 to Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2008, MCCNJ moved to Garwood Presbyterian Church. In 2021 MCCNJ moved to Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford where we have enjoyed a comfortable balance between nurturing our members and reaching out to others. After decades of growth and change, MCCNJ continues to serve yet another generation of moms.