One of the wonderful offerings of the Mothers’ Center is the meal train for new moms or moms going through a difficult time. I have always participated in the meal trains as a way to support other mothers of the Center. Just recently, as my husband and I welcomed the birth of our daughter, we were the grateful recipients of those meals.

I am immensely grateful for all the moms who brought us dinner. And I am equally grateful for the adult conversation, flowers, words of encouragement, wisdom and sympathetic ears that came with those delicious meals. The Mothers’ Center brings together moms from different towns and backgrounds who care about each other, especially as we go through one of life’s most difficult – and joyous – transitions. The simple texts and emails I received while awaiting my daughter’s arrival – hi, how are you, do you want me to watch your firstborn, do you want me to get you anything from the store, hang in there – meant the world to me. After our daughter’s arrival,the emails and texts continued and it made the isolation that comes with the first couple of weeks of a newborn so much easier to bear.

The past three years have brought many changes in my life, first as my husband and I welcomed our son and, now most recently, our daughter. I went from being a career-focused young professional to a new mom trying to find a balance between my career and motherhood. There is no handbook or instructional manual for this, but the connections and experiences I gained through the Mothers’ Center have helped me to write my own – and for this, I am forever thankful.

Join me in a special Thanksgiving event

As the holiday approaches, I invite you to give special thanks to one or more of the special moms who inspire you and have made a difference in your life. Post your appreciation on your Facebook wall, using #MCCNJthanksmoms, and tag Mothers’ Center of Central NJ. Taking a few minutes to post your Thanksgiving “attitude of gratitude” will create a loving and joyous start to the holidays for the special moms in your life—and you!

Here is my video of appreciation.

– HaVi J,  MCCNJ member

To kick off this holiday season, MCCNJ challenges you to express your appreciation for a mom (or more) who have inspired you and made a difference in your life over the past year. Post your appreciation on your Facebook wall, using the #MCCNJthanksmoms, and tag Mothers’ Center of Central NJ. Taking a few minutes to post your Thanksgiving “attitude of gratitude” will create a loving and joyous start to the holidays for the special moms in your life—and you!

You have 24 hours to complete this challenge and invite others to participate. If you opt out from the challenge, consider donating a case of diapers. You can drop off your donation at the Garwood Presbyterian Church starting December or make a purchase via our wishlist on Amazon.

This challenge runs from 11/19/2017 until 11/25/2017.

Come join us for our Winter mini-session! It starts right after Thanksgiving and ends just before Christmas.

We have a hot chocolate meetup, cookie exchange, spa morning, holiday party, and more!

Our Winter Mini Session Groups include:

Monday Morning Playgroup 9:30-11am (no group fee)
Tuesday Mom and Baby 9:30-11:00am (no group fee and onsite babysitting available for older siblings)
Wednesday Discussion Group for Moms 9:30-11:00am (no group fee and onsite babysitting available)
Thursday Creative Expressions (Music and Art) 9:30-10:15 ($30 for 4 weeks). Please note this group usually fills quickly and has limited spots available.

Read our full newsletter and register online now! https://motherscentercnj.org/members/groups-registration/

This week, the Mothers’ Center of Central NJ kicked off its summer season of activities for moms and their children! We started the week with our weekly Playgroup in the newly renovated playroom and craft room – it was wonderful to see new and familiar faces come together to play, chat and share wisdom.

On Tuesday morning, moms came together for discussion group to talk about the challenges and joys of motherhood and in the evening, more moms gathered for our first Moms’ Night Out at the Jazz festival in Westfield. It was a wonderful day full of bonding and laughter.

Today, we welcomed moms and their kids at our first Creative Expressions class where everyone sang, danced, listened to wonderful stories, and drew with chalks. Seeing the happy faces of the children (and moms) reminded us of the great community that we have and why the Mothers’ Center plays an important role in each families’ lives.