FIND A MOMS CLUB IN O.C. Click here for a list of clubs throughout the county.
RESOURCES AND SUPPORT GROUPS FOR MOMS
ADOPTION GROUP: The Orange County Adoptive Parents Association offers opportunities for parents and their kids to get together to share information and experiences. The group also holds speaker forums and social activities throughout the year. Information: ocapa.org or 714.254.7884
PARENT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH MULTICULTURAL FAMILIES – Facilitated By Dr. Cindy May: Raising children in this society can be challenging in itself. However adding on cultural differences between Parent and Child makes it that much more difficult. Did you grow up in a culture different than your children? If so, join this support group; learn ways in understanding and coping with not only your cultural conflicts but those of your children too. Discover ways of passing on your customs and beliefs while helping your children succeed in American society. And come together with parents who are experiencing the same struggles as you. To join this group contact Dr. May at (310) 927-3058 Cindy May Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Psychological Assistant PSB 34744 Clinical Supervisor - Bruce Brodie, Ph.D. PSY6574 Location: Brodie & Associates – 4199 Campus Drive, Ste 550, Irvine; 310.927.3058
SUPPORT GROUPS FOR NEW MOTHERS (One or more children under 12 months of age) – Facilitated by Dr. Cindy May: Motherhood is a rich and beautiful experience unlike any other. It is filled with extreme feelings; many positive and some more challenging. There are many joyous moments such as seeing your baby’s face light up with laughter. There are also times when you feel sad and anxious as you struggle to make the biggest adjustment of your life. Join this support group: share your experiences and feel connected and receive empathy and validation from other young mothers. Cindy May, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Psychological Assistant PSB 34744 Clinical Supervisor- Bruce Brodie, Ph.D. PSY6574 Location: Brodie & Associates – 4199 Campus Drive, Ste 550, Irvine; 310.927.3058
CHRISTIAN MOMS: Orange County Christian Moms, a support group of encouraging moms who share biblical beliefs and values, meet throughout Orange County. Offerings include park days, potlucks, stroller walks, Mom's Night Out, family picnics and more. Information: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OCChristianMoms/
FAMILY SOCIALS: The South Coast Jaycees is a family oriented group offering social, philanthropic, growth and leadership opportunities to those 18-40 and their families. Activities include meetings, socials, game nights, outings and charity events. Information: southcoastjaycees.org or 949.400.8369 or info@southcoastjaycees.org
ITALIAN MOMS: The Mini-Italians Group of Orange County, a group for Italian-speaking moms and children, meet weekly. In addition to play dates, the group also gets together on a monthly basis for a Mom’s Night Out. Visit sites.google.com/site/donnedocgroup/ or e-mail postadonnedoc@gmail.com
MOCHA MOMS: Orange County Mocha Moms, Inc., a support group for stay-at-home mothers of color, offers playgroups, park days, mom’s night out and other events. For more information or to join this chapter, visit mochamoms.org
MOMMY MEETUP: Share experiences, find advice, give support and make new friends during a Moms Meet-up at various venues throughout Orange County. Information: moms.meetup.com
MOMMY WALK: Join other moms and their children for the Irvine Mommy Walk. The group meets every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in front of Waters Restaurant. Dads are welcomed too. Information: irvinemommywalk.com
MOPS LAKE FOREST: MOPS, a support group for mothers with kids ages 0-5, meets two Mondays a month in Lake Forest. The program, presented from 6:30-8:30 p.m., discusses ways to handle the tough times in parenting. Information: abidingsavior.com/mops
MOPS MISSION VIEJO: MOPS is a support group for mothers with kids ages 0-5. mollyhp@yahoo.com
MOTHERING TWINS, TRIPLETS AND MORE: Serving all of Orange County and surrounding areas, Multiple Miracle Moms of Orange County offers support to moms of twins and higher order multiples. Information: multiplemiraclemoms.org
MOTHERS AND MORE: Mothers & More is an organization dedicated to improving mothers through support, education, and advocacy. Activities include coffee talks, Mom's Night Out, monthly meetings, book clubs and playgroups. Information: ocmothersandmore.com or ocmothers@onebox.com
MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES: The Saddleback Mothers of Multiples Club, a non-profit organization created to connect mothers of twins, triplets or quadruplets for the purpose of support and friendship, offers education, resources, activities, friendship and more. Information: smomc.org
MULTIPLES CLUB: The Orange Coast Mothers of Multiples, a support group for mothers of multiples, offers opportunities for support, education and friendship at various Orange County groups. Information: ocmom.org
STEPFAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP: Helping YOU and YOUR stepfamily grow! Some of the topics covered: painful and frustrating issues of merging finances; divided loyalties; yours - mine - ... the children; unrealistic expectations; extended families; hope and tools for solutions; and many more stimulating discussions. Meetings are the second Monday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. in Los Alamitos. Facilitator: Yaffa Balsam, MFT; 714.527.8111; yaffa@connectingstepfamilies.com; connectingstepfamilies.com
WALKING CLUB: MOPS, a support group for mothers, offers a Walking Club every Tuesday and Thursday at Lake Mission Viejo. The walk begins at 7 a.m. in the Wells Fargo parking lot. Address: located at the corner of Marguerite and Vista Del Lago. Information: abidingsavior.com/mops or 949.294.7641
Programs for Parents
HELPFUL CLASSES: Rancho Santiago College offers free Parent Education Classes at the Orange Education Center. Parent and Me classes for ages 18 months to 36 weeks, and 3 1/2 to 5 years on Tuesdays at 9 and 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 11 a.m., and Fridays at 9 and 10:30 a.m. To enroll, call 714.628.5900 or visit at the Orange Education Center, located at 1465 N. Batavia, in Orange. Classes are taught by Bettina Cosmakos. You can e-mail her at cosmakos_bettina@sccollege.edu
PARENT ORIENTATION: A parent orientation about foster care and adoption programs will be held Aug. 16 at the Children’s Bureau. The program is presented from 10 a.m.-noon. Address: 50 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 241. Information: all4kids.org or 800.730.3933
PARENTING EDUCATION: Numerous support groups and parent education opportunities are available at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Suite 19, Mission Viejo. Information: socfrc.org or 949.364.0500
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: A free support group for adults coping with a loss is offered every Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the South Coast Medical Center. Information: southcoastmedcenter.com or 949.499.7202
STEPFAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP: Helping you and your stepfamily grow! Some of the topics covered: painful and frustrating issues of merging finances; divided loyalties; yours - mine - ours ... the children; unrealistic expectations; extended families; hope and tools for solutions; and many more stimulating discussions. Yaffa Balsam, MFT; 714.527.8111; connectingstepfamilies.com; yaffa@connectingstepfamilies.com
Programs for Kids
GIRL SCOUTS: The Girl Scout Council of Orange County offers a variety of programs for girls, ages 5-17. Youth can participate on an individual or activity-focused basis, or in a troop, depending on each girl’s personal interests and schedule. Information: gscoc.org or 714.979.7900
KIDS KONNECTED: Kids Konnected, dedicated to providing friendship, understanding, education and support to kids who have a parent with cancer or have lost a parent to cancer, offers free monthly group meetings. Call for times and locations. Information: 800.899.2866
Health Programs
EATING DISORDERS: South Coast Medical Center offers a free eating disorder support group every Monday from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Community Room. Address: 31872 Coast Highway., Laguna Beach. Information: southcoastmedcenter.com or 949.499.7202
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Orange County Chapter offers a monthly, ongoing support group designed for people who are caring for someone with multiple sclerosis. Information: 949.752.1680
DIABETES PROGRAMS: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center offers several diabetes programs, including Diabetes Management During Pregnancy, Self-Management Training with Medical Nutrition Therapy, Fitness for Diabetes and Diabetes Challengers. Call for details. Address: 24451 Health Center Drive, Laguna Hills. Information: 949.452.7255
CANCER SUPPORT: Hoag Cancer Center offers several free cancer support groups on an ongoing basis. Address: 1 Hoag Center Drive, Newport Beach. Information: 949.7.CANCER
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: La Leche League of Southern Orange County offers monthly meetings in Mission Viejo and Irvine. The program discusses breastfeeding related topics. Information: geocities.com/soclll/
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Current Workshops
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP: Parents and professionals can learn about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Sept. 10 at the UC Irvine Child Development Center. The program is presented from 7-9 p.m. Address: 19262 Jamboree Road, Irvine. Information: 949.UCI.ADHD
SIBS KLUB: A Super Sibs Klub is offered Sept. 20 from 9:30- noon at the UC Irvine Neuropsychiatric Center. The program is a support group for children ages 8-12 who have brothers and sisters with health and developmental special needs. Information: 714.532.8778
CHILDREN’S YOGA: Children can learn breathing, imaginative play and yoga poses at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. The program is offered Thursdays, Sept. 4-25. Cost: $35 per child. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
GIRL POWER: South Orange County Family Resource Center offers a program which discusses peer pressure, self-esteem and healthy friendships for young girls. The program is offered on Wednesdays, Sept. 3-24. Cost: $25. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
PARENTING CLASS: Dads can learn about the responsibilities of fatherhood at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. The free class is offered Sept. 2, 9 and 16. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
CAR SAFETY: Learn about car seat safety Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.-noon at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
DEPRESSION SUPPORT: A Postpartum Depression support group is offered every Tuesday at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. The free program is presented from 10-11 a.m. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: A breastfeeding support group is offered every Thursday at the South Orange County Family Resource Center. The free group is presented from 10-11 a.m. Address: 28191 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. Information: 949.364.0500
BABY CARE: Learn about the adventures of early parenting during New Baby Care at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills. The class is held on most Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Registration is required. Cost: $30 per couple. Information: memorialcare.org
BREASTFEEDING CLASS: Learn about positioning, feeding techniques and corrective actions for breastfeeding problems during a Breastfeeding Class at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. The class will be held Sept. 23 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Registration is required. Cost: $30 per couple. Information: memorialcare.org
BABYSITTER MIXER: MommyMixer will hold an event Sept. 7 for families in need of a part-time babysitter at No Rest For Bridget. Address: 250 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Information: mommymixer.com
FIND A MOMS CLUB IN O.C. Click here for a list of clubs throughout the county.
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