September isn’t just a time for the kids to go back to school. It’s a also a great time for moms to start anew with playgroups, mom’s groups, and other activities. Many people think that chambanamoms.com is a mom’s group. While we hope to fill that void virtually, there are plenty of other existing mom’s groups that specialize in this arena — so here they are. If your group isn’t listed, please add it below by leaving a comment with information. We’ve divided the groups between those that have no (obvious) religious affiliation and those that are church-based or meet in a church. (We plan to do a separate list for playgroups – email editor@chambanamoms.com to include yours.)
Looking for more mom friends? Want to feel less isolated? Want to meet some new people? Check out our list of local moms groups. Photo by jen_rab on Twitter
Non-religious:
The local chapter of this international group has moms-only meetings once a month and sponsors family-friendly playgroups and activities throughout the year. The cost of yearly membership is $45. According to its website, Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Atlanta Bread Company in Champaign.
This group, open to mothers of multiples, has periodic dinner meetings and is also on Facebook. A great resource for you mommies of twins, triplets, and beyond! According to Facebook, this group meets on the third Monday of the month, at 7 pm at Panera (Mattis and Kirby) Champaign. Newbies welcome.
Champaign-Urbana Parent’s Meetup
According to its website, this group has been around since 2007. It “does a variety of playdates that include private homes, parks, arts and crafts and holiday parties. All parents are welcome!” $5 fee to join.
Church-based:
MOPS, which stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, is the international organization that wrote the book on moms’ groups for mothers of young children; there are several chapters in the area. In Mahomet, MOPS meets twice a month at Grace Church in Mahomet. Check out its schedule of meeting topics and guest speakers for the year; kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 13. The Champaign-Urbana chapter meets two Mondays a month, September through May, at St. John Lutheran in Champaign. The St. Joseph chapter meets at the St. Joseph Church of Christ on alternating Thursdays during the school year, from 9 to 11 a.m.
TO4M was created to provide a safe place where moms can be supported and uplifted through study, prayer, and open discussion. Meets alternating Friday mornings at Champaign’s New Horizon United Methodist Church, starting Sept. 14. Childcare available.
Moms Meeting Moms (M3)
This group meets every other Wednesday throughout the school year at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana (non-Catholics are more than welcome) and is free to join. Free childcare is also provided. Each meeting consists of breakfast, social time, and a scheduled topic of discussion. Moms of kids of all ages are invited to attend. Contact Rachael McMillan (rachmcmill@gmail.com) if interested.
Mustard Seed Moms (Tolono)
Mustard Seed Moms is “a nondenominational group of moms who love their families and love serving the Lord. We meet to learn, encourage, and support one another in this journey called Motherhood.” Meets the first Monday of the month at the Tolono Township Hall at 7:30 p.m. There is also a Mom’s Night Out on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
This group meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month (from September through May) at Crossroads Church, located at 1602 N 1125 E Road, right outside to the east of Monticello, Illinois. Meetings are in the morning; childcare is provided.
Want to plug your mom group? Add the info in the comments below.
If anyone has actually been to meetings with these groups I would LOVE “reviews” of them. If there is something you liked or preferred. I have never done the moms group thing but would like to but it is hard (at least for me) to just pick a random group and go.
What about stay at home dads? All but one of these groups have “mom” in the title and/or description, and yet dads need the support too. I’m curious whether any stay at home dads have formed their own groups or have managed to fit into any “moms” groups.
There used to be an active local Stay at Home Dads group, but it fizzled. I know of SEVERAL stay at home dads, but not sure where the group situation stands. However, the Champaign Urbana Parents Meetup specifically says “Parents” and not just Moms. That would be a good place to start. I would also note that these groups are not just for at-home parents.
Thanks Laura–I realized the narrowness of my response in indicating “stay at home”, but you got my gist.
Hi Laura, I’m wondering– would you be able to connect me with a stay-at-home dad in town? I’m a journalism grad student working on a story about local at-home dads, and how the weak job market has led to an increase in at-home fathers. I just haven’t found an at-home father to speak with yet, and I’d really appreciate your help. My email: c.toh.herman@gmail.com
The St Pats Tolono group is now called Mustard Seed Moms. Here is the info:
“Mustard Seed Moms is a nondenominational group of moms who love their families and love serving the Lord. We meet to learn, encourage, and support one another in this journey called Motherhood.
We meet the 1st Monday of the month at the Tolono Township Hall at 7:30pm.
We also have a Mom’s Night Out on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30pm”
Updated with this info.
Thanks for the great article! I am the Membership Coordinator for Mothers and More. We conduct several activities for Moms only (monthly meeting, mom’s night out, book club, etc.) as well as many activities for the little ones (playgroups, field trips – the most recent to a free range chicken farm). There is currently a membership special going on, where new members can join for 6 months for $20 (usual price is a year for $45). Feel free to e-mail me for more info: rdimock@gmail.com
I have been a member of Mothers & More for four years. For me personally, this group has been amazing. My best mommy friends in CU came from this group. Because I don’t have family here, having friends who could be there for me and my kids was very important. Aside from the friends, I love the group’s listserv. It’s a great way to find other moms/kids to join you for a last-minute trip to the park. The listserv is also very handy for soliciting feedback about any issue/question you have – whether it relates to motherhood or not. There are many other benefits which Rachel mentions. If you have any interest, please come to our Open House on Oct 23rd at 7pm at Za’s Italian Cafe (1905 N. Neil Street, Champaign) We are planning a fun, casual evening with food, prizes and some friendly games. Hope to see some of you soon!