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What is M.O.M.S.?
M.O.M.S. is a mentoring program that will match an experienced mom with a young mother or mother-to-be.
M.O.M.S. is a collaborative effort between Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and the Parent Education Committee of
Union County. |
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The Mentor is not a parent -- rather a trusted teacher,
friend and role model.
We don’t sit around
as children
dreaming of the
day we will become
a birth mom.
Typically, a turn of
events in our lives
leads us down the
road to becoming
a birth mom.
It’s hard enough
walking the road as
a birth mom alone.
Walking with someone
who understands
makes the journey
a little easier
Source
www.birthmombuds.com/
buddy_system.htm
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Goals for the M.O.M.S. Program
- Educate young mothers
- Reduce stress levels for young mothers that will also reduce chances of child abuse
- Help decrease smoking and or drug use among young adults for healthier children and parents
- Reduce repeat teen pregnancies
- Build friendships
- Start bright futures for young mothers and their children
- Build support systems for young mothers
- Give options to young mothers
- Help nurture children
- Create a loving environment for mothers and babies
The Mentor will:
- Visit or call once a week and attend monthly group meetings
- Teach about mother and infant bonding
- Build a basic foundation of life skills, for example: balancing check books, budgeting
and time management
- Coach the young mother in parenting fundamentals
- Assist the young mother with meal planning (i.e. cook together, grocery shop)
- Introduce the young mother to local resources/services available in the community
To Become a Mentor:
- Call the BBBS office at 937/642-2157
- Fill out an application which includes an interview and background checks
- Commit to the relationship for one year
- Make weekly contact either by phone, home visit or community activities with your young
mother or mother-to-be
- Call your case manager bi-weekly to report on the match and for support
- Meet monthly with other mentors and young moms for programs and to discuss progress and
issues you might be having.
- Attend training sessions as they are offered
Statistics
There were 664 births in Union County in 2007.
Of this total:
- 48 moms were 13-18 years old
- 236 moms were 19-24 years old
- 105 women admitted to smoking during their pregnancy
Source: Union County Health Department
For information on MOMS or other volunteer opportunities, contact: Jill at 937/642-2157
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