Project LINK- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Project LINK- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 

 

By: 

Nicole Latz 

1.       I volunteered for non-profit organization called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). This program takes place in Matton, IL., at the First Baptist Church. This organization provides guidance to mothers through different activities they partake in. While doing that their children are watched by volunteers.

2.       This service activity represented what I have learned in FCS 4840 and other FCS classes because it taught me a lot of disadvantaged families and what it can bring. I participated in two different programs through MOPS. One of the programs is on Mondays where people through the Eastern community or other volunteers come to watch young children. We give the children snacks, instruct them in learning activities, watch them, and also play with the children. While doing this the mother’s are in educational programs through their church. On Thursdays there is a separate program where the children that the volunteers watch are young children with teen mothers. This program is called Teen MOPS. The same activities happen with the children, but instead the parents are getting education on how to be a teen mother. This program I feel is great not just for the teen moms, teen moms, but also the children. This allows the children to also interact with other kid’s their age, participate in structured activities, and also get a nice meal and snack that is provided to them. Also, one of the days I went to volunteer the teen moms were participating in Girls on the Run. By providing these activities it can give girls great guidance.

3.       Through doing this activity I was able to network with others. The lady in charge of the program Sarah is very kind and open to help others. She has started the program and has expanded it greatly. Through talking to her I have seen how much she has done to help others and help the teen moms and children involved.

4.       This program can and already has had a great impact on the community. It is a non-profit organization that is provided to people with in that church and even the community. It gives the parents of these children time for themselves with other adults or teens their age. It provides education and ways of giving their own community service back to the community. It also provides their children structured and educational time with other children their age. It is also a great way for the kids to unwind before going home with a relaxing time to just be themselves. Also, it provides the children with snacks and something to eat. Some of the families that participate in the program do not always have that structured family, or time to spend with one another. They cannot always provide for their children either. This program is a great way to provide these things the children even if it is just one night.

5.       I really enjoy in participating in the MOPS program. I feel it is a great way for me to give back and give my time. By me giving my time I have allowed time for these mothers’s to relax and have time to themselves. I also really enjoy this program because I know I am making a difference on the children. I am providing them with guidance, and I am also just letting them enjoy themselves. It is not so structured that the children cannot have fun, but it is more so free time for them with other peers. I feel this is a great program, and has many benefits.