Community group reaches out to families in need
Imagine struggling to put food on the table for your children and then, out of the blue, receiving a grocery store gift certificate. Not only would the gift certificate fill a practical need, but it would also provide an emotional boost.
By giving unexpected gifts like a grocery store gift certificate, Moms and Neighbors aim to give comfort and hope through the power of kindness.
Moms and Neighbors is a nonprofit that consists of women who want to help families through crisis. The group puts together care packages for families facing difficulties in Independent School District 196.
“There are really heartbreaking stories in our community. Through the power of kindness we want to help people thrive and overcome hardships,” said founding member and co-chair Melissa Cook.
Moms and Neighbors work through school counselors, community workers and churches who provide family referrals. After getting a referral, the group works quickly through their network of members, businesses and community groups to put together a care package tailored to the needs of the family.
The help is given anonymously. Initially, the group focused on mothers with children facing hardships but has opened its policy to fathers as well.
Cook said the group has helped people through all sorts of situations such as job loss, death, illness and domestic violence. In 2011 Moms and Neighbors helped 24 families.
“The beauty is these families aren’t even asking for this help. We don’t want to know who they are,” said co-chair Sara Haugland.
Haugland said the contents of each care package vary. Some items they’ve given include gift cards for gas and groceries, clothing, shoes or access to services such as auto repair.
While what they give depends on the need of the individual family, Haugland said, and the giving is always rewarding.
Red Pine Elementary School principal Gary Anger said Moms and Neighbors has reached out and helped families at the school. Anger said the group works with the school’s counselor to provide resources to families who are struggling.
“(Moms and Neighbors) is a really neat group of people. It’s such a cool thing,” said Anger.
Moms and Neighbors started more than two years ago. Cook and Mary Jo Shelton started the group.
“We felt like we had so much and we could do something. It grew from there,” said Cook.
The group has taken its time to grow. Currently Moms and Neighbors has about 20 members. One of its goals for 2012 is to increase that membership. With more members, Moms and Neighbors hopes to help more people. Haugland said they hope to help 20 percent more families in 2012.
“They’re pretty basic goals, but it would help,” said Haugland.
Moms and Neighbors are always looking for new members. Haugland said anybody can help, whether it’s through time, talent or money.
To learn more about Moms and Neighbors visit their website at momsandneighbors.org.
Fundraiser
To raise money to help the group continue its efforts Moms and Neighbors will hold a Valentine Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Rosemount VFW.
It’s a family friendly event and the meal will include spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert.
Cost for dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Children two and under eat free.