Agency Details:

Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS)

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International is a non-profit Christian organization which exists to meet the needs of every mom of different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be!

Description:
MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relations and are filled with unique needs. A MOPS group is a special place for moms to go to meet like-minded women also passing through this unique stage of life. Moms will have a chance to not only make new friends, but also discover a wealth of helpful hints and smarter strategies to dealing with the challenges of motherhood. MOPS is a dynamic, inviting environment where moms can come-just as they are-and be refreshed and inspired-while their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. While the children are in MOPPETS they are divided into age appropriate groups and are involved in planned activities such as games, stories, crafts, music and physical play.

This MOPS group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Eagle Street in Williamsville.

History:
The MOPS Story

It all began with eight women. The number was small, but the need was great. The first MOPS meeting took place in February 1973 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For two hours, while their children received care, these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration, and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that "mothering matters." Today, the same needs for significance are met in much the same way in MOPS groups across the United States and around the world.

From the beginning, women in MOPS were not content to be spectators. Through MOPS, they found an opportunity to discover and cultivate their leadership gifts. As women moved around the country, they took the concept of MOPS with them, and new groups formed.

Growth began as word spread in churches, conventions, and magazine articles that explained this unique new program. Inquiries and requests for information became more frequent, and a handbook was printed. Office space moved from a desk in a family room to a rented office.

In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. As interest mushroomed, leadership training began. One hundred fifty women from five states gathered in 1982 for the first all-day MOPS leadership seminar.

In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. The Board hired Elisa Morgan as the first president of the organization in 1989.

MOPS reached out to moms through the MOMSense newsletter (now MOMSense magazine) beginning in 1993. The newsletter joined the existing MOMSense radio program to help MOPS nurture every mother of preschoolers, whether or not she attended a MOPS group.

In 1995, MOPS formed a partnership with Zondervan Publishing House, further expanding its outreach to mothers through books. Also that year, MOPS established Teen MOPS groups for teenage mothers. MOPS became even more available to moms when it went on-line in 1997, and in 2000 when it created the MOPS to Mom Connection (now MOPS International Membership) to bring additional resources directly to a mom's home.

MOPS has come a long way over the years, and continues to adapt to meet the various needs of moms today.

Contact people:

Shawndra Langlotz, MOPS Coordinator, (phone), (email) Laura Dumke-Hausrath, Coordinator, (phone), (email) Pastors Tim & Wendy Madsen, Pastors, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (716) 634-9252

Address:

68 Eagle Street Williamsville, NY 14221 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mops.org

Directions:

Directions to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church If you take 290 towards Niagara Falls, you would get off at the 1st exit which is Main Street. At the 5th signal, you would turn LEFT onto Mill Street. You will see. . . (more)

Last updated on May 6, 2009