Local Mom Groups in Billings
September 1, 2019 | by stephanie hobby
For many parents, a new school year’s routine marks the beginning of an investment in themselves too. As moms and dads, we can get so lost in all the details of parenting that suddenly, we forget to nourish our own souls by connecting with one another.
But if you’re new to town, or have been so immersed in your own family during the summer months, finding or renewing those life-giving friendships can be intimidating. Billings offers many opportunities to connect with other parents, whether through special interest clubs, gyms, Bible studies, or parent groups. Here are a few to check out:
MOMS Club, one of the largest groups in Billings, meets several times a week for field trips, play dates, book club, and a monthly moms night out. They started in Billings in 2007 with only a few members and this year expanded to two groups; one is a chapter for Central and West End Billings, and another MOMS Club of Billings East, dedicated to meeting the needs of moms in Lockwood and the Heights. “It can be so isolating when you first move here or when you first have that first baby and stop working,” said Sharisse Williams, MOMS Club board member. "I think that's why we're doing so well because women are craving that interaction." There is no limit to how old your children can be to participate. MOMS Club makes a point to support moms and families in the area; they participate in the Festival of Trees, which raises money for the Family Tree Center and host Mom Prom, which generates thousands of dollars for the YWCA. The cost is $30 per year to participate, and they meet on Wednesdays at First Alliance Church. Find them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
If you’re interested in expanding your professional career, there’s Growing Business and Babies, where you can talk about business, your goals, your struggles, and victories in a supportive group of like-minded mothers. They offer two meeting times on the last Thursday of the month, one at 9:00 a.m. and another at 3:30 p.m. at The Art of Play. Kids can have a play date while moms interact and share their expertise. The cost is $15 per meeting if purchased individually or $10 when purchased as a multiple meeting pass. The cost is $7 per child for admission to the Art of Play.
If you have small children and working out is more your speed, check out Stroller Strong Moms, or SLAM, which stands for Sweat Like A Mother. SLAM meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at Rose Park and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Pioneer Park. All classes are from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The group makes a point to end the workout near a playground so kids can play together after class. “Our mamas come for the workout, but stay for the community,” explains owner of Stroller Strong Moms - Billings, Tiffany Ricci, RDN. "When you're a mama - you need a tribe of women. You need the support, the encouragement, the laughter, and a sense of perspective that only a group of mamas in all different seasons of motherhood can provide. Our workouts are challenging, but modifiable for whatever stage and season of pregnancy/postpartum you're in. Whatever your sleep schedule is (from newborn to all kiddos in school), your range of athletic goals, our certified instructors help mamas through each workout." Visit https://www.strollerstrongmoms.com/billings/ for more.
Faith-based organizations also offer ways to connect with others; check with your house of worship. Faith Chapel offers a study just for moms. MOMS meets every Thursday, 9-11 a.m., starting September 12. Childcare is provided. “Our goal is for moms to meet new friends, support each other in the trenches of being such busy moms with so much demand on them, and to discover the realness of relationship with Jesus,” said coordinator Becky Todd. More information is on the Faith Chapel website, https://faithchapel.cc/ministries/women. Faith Chapel also offers an evening Bible study for moms who work outside the home.
Finally, MOPS is an international organization for Moms of Preschoolers. Locally, you can find MOPS at Emmanuel Baptist Church every other Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m. Visit https://www.mops.org/groups/emmanuel for more information and to sign up. Emmanuel Baptist also offers eMoms, which is geared toward women who no longer have preschoolers.
And remember, one of your best bets is searching the pages of the magazine you’re holding; Simply Family Magazine offers a wealth of information for parents seeking support at any stage of the parenting journey.
Simply Baby Fun Find
Originally printed in the September 2019 issue of Simply Family Magazine
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