Moms Club of Westchase is About More Than Play Dates

Patch: Can you tell us when the Westchase MOMS Club was formed? Who were the original members?

Alicia: MOMS Club is an international organization started in 1983 by Mary James, a stay at home mother in 1983. She was looking for a group of other stay at home moms and play mates for her children. When she could not find one, MOMS Club was formed. There are now over 100,000  members world wide and 2,100 chapters in the United States.

Patch: What's the mission of the group?

Alicia: The MOMS Club is a non-profit organization. The mission is to provide stay at home mothers with support.  It is difficult for stay at home mothers to build friendships, locate activities for their children to do. The MOMS Club has activities that provide opportunities for mothers and their children to make friends, participate in philanthropic events, Mom’s Night Out, book clubs, and other fun activities. We have workshops with local service providers, such as pediatricians and pediatric dentists, to provide mothers with the latest information, answer questions, etc. 

Patch: Give us an example of some activities the group does together? 

Alicia: We have five play groups that meet on a weekly basis (organized by the child’s age), weekly all-chapter play groups, monthly book club meetings and philanthropic events.  Next month we are preparing dinner for families at the Ronald McDonald House!

Patch: What are the requirements for joining? Are there dues?

Alicia: Every chapter is organized by location.  For example, to participate in the MOMS Club Tampa-Westchase chapter, the family must reside within the Westchase area.  Annual dues are $15, but a family is never turned away if they are unable to pay.

Patch: Who are the moms in the group; are they mostly stay at home moms or working moms? Single or married?

Alicia: In the Tampa-Westchase chapter, most of the mothers are stay at home moms, but we have many working moms, as well as mothers have returned to school. The majority of the mothers are married.

Patch: What are the advantages of joining a group like this?

Alicia: Personally, my son and I have made so many friends since joining.  I have had questions regarding service providers, preschools, etc. and the MOMS Club has been an amazing resource! Since we live in the same area, I am able to get recommendations from other mothers.  Also, I never feel alone. If a mother is going through a challenging time with their child, another mother has experienced the same thing and can provide advice and support. Another example is we provide meals to members that recently had a baby.

Patch: What's something that would surprise us about the Westchase Moms Club?

Alicia: I would have to say the uniqueness of the group.  We are fabulous mix of ladies with diverse backgrounds, ages, and personalities.  Each member brings something special to the group.  Over the years, the Tampa-Westchase Chapter has completed numerous philanthropic events such as canned food drives and providing goods for an organization that provides support for teenage mothers.

Patch: As president of the club, what's your top priority for the club this year? 

Alicia: To continue the amazing work of past presidents.  I am very proud of the philanthropic work the MOMS Club Chapter has done and I hope our chapter continues to make a difference in our community for years to come.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to share? 

Alicia: This is an amazing organization!  Due to the numerous events provided, my son and I make a new friend almost every week.  Please contact us if you are interested in membership!

To learn more about the Tampa-Westchase MOMS Club e-mail: momsclubwestchase@hotmail.com or go to the website: http://momsclubtampa.com/