New Mommy Support Group at the Family Resource Network In Marlinton
We recently spoke with Anna Cassell of the Pocahontas County Family Resource Network. She wants to inform our listeners about the brand-new Mommy Support Group at the FRN. Their first meeting was held on April 17th, and the next meeting will be at 1 pm on Thursday, May 11th at the FRN, which is located in Marlinton just beneath the Community Care Office, across the street from Discovery Junction. Cassell also talks to us about the Warriors Above the Influence and the Diabetes Support Group, which also meets at the FRN. These events are free to the public.
“Were starting a new mommy support group,” said Cassell. “The name is Momma, Momie, Mom and Birth. It follows all stages of motherhood. Currently I am in the Birth stage, so I understand that one.” (laughs) This is gonna be a living-room chat style support group for moms. There will be child care provided, and everybody will leave with a gift.”
How did this program get started?
“We just seen a need for parents in all stages of motherhood to reach out and support other parents, like not so much that this book tells you what you need to do, more like: ‘this is what I am going through and you’re going through it too – how are you handling it?’ Bounce ideas off how would people get each other and also, your friends change when you are parents, so this is a way to get other parents in a group and maybe make other friends in that stage of your life.”
How would people get in touch with you about this?
“They can do it through Facebook, or they can call the office here (304) 799-6847, although you don’t have to register, you can just show up.”
What kind of things will you cover at these?
“We are really letting it be led by the moms on what they need to cover. Although I do have some milestone development -icebreaker games like that, so that they are going to get a little bit of education.”
“I am really hoping for a good turn-out with our mommy group. I think it’s something we really need in this county, being able to give these moms the support and education that they need.”
What king of other support does the FRN give to new moms?
“We do the Baby Pantry, where you get diapers and wipes and education every month. We do a baby shower. You can (also) just come in if you’re having a bad day and you just need a minute. You come in, we will play with your baby, you can talk to us. We will support you. We will be there to be a support outreach for you.”
You also wanted to talk about Warriors Above the Influence?
“Yes, now they are actually getting their posted on the 18th at 10:00 am at the high school. It’s a huge poster this year. We had 11 on our poster. It’s a great group of kids, very active in the Warriors above the Influence. They have all kinds of ideas for the community, they are working on articles for the newspaper, they want something on the radio. We are still working out the details for a Prom Promise. They are very involved in wanting to get prevention out there and show the youth what a lifestyle change can make. They did a Move-Up Day for the 8th graders and they were actually able to get new recruitments for that day, so there is another 10 on that. So, it’s looking good for the 8th grade for next year’s Warriors Above the Influence too.”
And I think the last thing you wanted to talk about was the Diabetes Support Group.
“The Diabetes Support Group happened the second Tuesday of every month, 6 pm here at the Family Center. It’s with Terry Wagner, and she’s great; she’s amazing. She pretty much has something set-up for every meeting. This next one that is coming up is managing your diabetes through fitness, and we have a couple of guest speakers that are going to be here, and that next meeting is going to be May 9th. It’s going to be Lucy Mossesso and Julia Flemming from Elkins. Lucy is talking about the hundred miles in a hundred days, and Julia is showing how to be able to manage through light fitness exercised. So, they are doing the bands and chair exercises with her. So, anybody who wants to come out, you don’t have to RSVP, you can just show up, and we would love to see everybody out there.”
Well, Thank you.
“Thank you!”
So, if you are interested in either the Mommy Support Group or the Diabetes Support Group and would like more information about either, call the FRN at 304-799-6847
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