Poughkeepsie Branch Assists
Mothers Project
We are looking for new leadership for this project. If are interested in chairing or co-chairing the project, please contact initiative.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com
Mothers Project supports self-determination for women and mothers, through education, wellness, and community support. We provide these services in the Poughkeepsie area for a historically disenfranchised, uninsured and immigrant population of women.
A Project for 2021 – Women’s Health Packages
We are excited to be moving into a new phase of concentrating on Women’s Health Packages wth AAUW. Each month a different package is given out to area women with themes relating to women’s health. The packages contain health information, items relating to the health theme, and fun seasonal gifts and tips to lift spirits and help women feel their best. Recent packages have provided information and items on themes including Nutrition and Health, Parenting Resources, and Managing Holiday Stress.
During the epidemic, the packages are being assembled by a few dedicated volunteers. As soon as we are able to have in person meetings, we will hold monthly afternoon meetings for AAUW members to assemble the health packages for distribution.
Mothers Meet
The meeting take place on Wednesday evenings from 4:30 to 6 at the Family Partnership Building in downtown Poughkeepsie. Mothers Project provides information on preventive women’s healthcare and parenting, as well as offering a forum where new mothers can socialize and share experiences.
The project is run by AAUW volunteers as well as volunteers from other local organizations including healthcare, social service, art community, education, and faith based organizations.
Purpose and Organization of
Mothers Project
Mothers Project in Poughkeepsie is a volunteer run, community supported group that provides education, social support, and access to local services for new mothers in the Poughkeepsie, NY area. The group was started by volunteers from a variety of local organizations who believe that parenting is an important skill that can be learned. New mothers and their babies can derive a lifetime of benefits from the support of other women and mothers during their first year of parenting.
Mothers Project oversees six programs as part of our holistic approach: Prenatal Education, a Mother’s Support Group, an Expressive Art Program, a Peer Education Program, Women’s Health Packages, and the Nutrition Program. Each of our initiatives focuses on a unique aspect of motherhood and women’s health, and provides personal health education, peer support, and connections to community resources, allowing for emotional growth and increased awareness of maternal/child care.
The group is run by volunteers from local organizations including healthcare, social service, art community, education, faith based, and women’s organizations (AAUW). Each group meeting begins with an art project, proceeds to a discussion on a parenting curriculum or women’s health/nutrition/infant care or other topics of interest to new mothers. Healthy snacks are provided at each meeting and time is set aside for the mothers to socialize and learn from the other mothers at the group.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many volunteer opportunities available, whether you are interested in women’s health, parenting, or any local services for new mothers. As soon as we are able to meet in person, we will hold monthly afternoon meetings for AAUW members to assemble the Women’s Health Packages for distribution.
