An acronym for Moms of Preschoolers, a new MOPS Chapter has been formed by Niobrara locals Heather Goddard, Michelle Kremers, Lindsey Gill, and Melissa VandeBerg. Part of the International MOPS, Goddard explains what exactly MOPS does, “MOPS is a nondenominational group that is committed to uplifting women; giving them an outlet for fellowship, camaraderie, learning, and hopefully building relationships and resource networks. We are here to serve the moms of our community in whatever capacity we can. MOPS International guides us through a curriculum and training opportunities but also by providing the Steering Committee with leadership training and learning opportunities. We want to be a safe place for moms regardless of age, background or belief system to come and feel loved, supported and appreciated”. Goddard touches on being a safe place for ‘moms regardless of age’ by adding that the chapter is also part of the Momsnext Chapter, “This means that we welcome moms of all backgrounds with kids of any age. There is a place in our chapter for expecting moms to grandmothers”.

With roots dating back to spring of 2017, Melissa Vandeberg brought the idea to the group of ladies from her involvement in other such chapters. While the idea of MOPS was well received, timing was an issue although it didn’t affect the overall notion that Lusk could benefit from a MOPS group. “We are blessed in our community to continue to see young families growing and moving in to our community. It is difficult for moms to find friends because we are so focused on doing the best we can for our families. Childcare is difficult to find, and can be prohibitively expensive, and between work, helping our kids at school or with school activities, and then taking care of our homes and other family members we often don’t have time or money left over to spend time with other moms. Lusk in particular is difficult to find social situations that provide child care” explains Goddard. Mere months later, schedules were worked out and the Lusk chapter of MOPS/Momsnext was born. In Lusk, the group is officially known as Blessed #hotmess MOPS/Momsnext;  “We always know what a blessing our families and children are but that doesn’t mean we aren’t a #hotmess ninety percent of the time” says Goddard. Further explaining just how much a tool MOPS/Momsnext can be, the chapter is open to anyone that wears the mom hat, “We all have values as moms, but contribute as individuals as well. If you are an expectant mom we can provide you with a support network as you begin your mom journey. As a new mom, we provide support and resources for those hard days. Moms with older kids are so valued for their advice and “war stories” that help those of us with younger children. Moms with adult children or grandmas provide a Mentor Mom role where we pair up a younger mom with that person. A mentor mom is just a phone call away. We hope to set up a network of support for every mom by connecting her with moms that she can mentor, moms in the same phase of life, and a mentor mom that has “been there done that”. We have new moms, single moms, moms through adoption, and pretty much any other domestic situation you can think of” states Goddard. 

While the chapter is a combination of both MOPS and Momnext, they have chosen the 2017-2018 MOPS International theme ‘Free Indeed’, which, per Goddard, “It is about feeling free from fear, from being stuck, from whatever notion you have about yourself that isn’t true. You are free to be the person that God intended you to be, not the person you feel that someone else expects you to be whether that expectation is from yourself, parents, a partner, or a job. It is also a reminder to “Let love be loudest”. We are all connected through our desire to live freely and audaciously; to love freely and acceptingly”.

Lusk MOPS/Momsnext conducts two monthly meetings, the first Thursday from 9:00-11:00 and the third Saturday from 9:00-11:00. Both meetings are held at the Alliance Church space, also known as Blish Hall, at the Congregational Church. Goddard explains that the Saturday doubles as a chance for those who work during the week but would still like to be a part of the chapter. “One of the core concepts behind MOPS International and our chapter is “Better mom’s better world.” We support mothers without ignoring any one facet of their life. We support them in motherhood, womanhood, as a partner, as an individual. When a person feels loved, supported and given the resources they need to freely live their life, they have more to give those that they are serving in those roles that life gives us. We know that by providing moms support they will be able to better connect with their children, partners and others they interact with in life. We hope to give them life skills like meal planning, budgeting, and basic home maintenance skills that will give them tangible skills to succeed”.

For anyone looking to join the chapter, there are three simple ways: attend a meeting in Lusk, talk to a local MOPS member, or register online by your zip code at: www.mops.org. “You will see everything from women professionally dressed to jeans to yoga pants! Some days we manage to shower and wear lipstick, other days we wear a hat and our favorite slouchy sweatshirt. There is no expectation of what you need to be or look like, we just want you to come and feel free to be the real you” describes Goddard.