West Side MOPS

Better Moms Make a Better World
 

Home Events
& Announcements
Register Contact Us  FAQ  MOPPETS

Got a question?Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOPS?
MOPS stands for Mothers Of Pre-schoolers. It is a non-profit international organization that ministers to moms with children from infant to kindergarten age. More about MOPS International.

What are meetings like?
Our meetings are held at West Side Presbyterian Church and begin when we drop off our children in their assigned MOPPETS rooms at 9 a.m. The MOPPETS rooms are located on the lower level of the church, and moms gather in Howell Auditorium (on the first level of the church) where coffee and treats are provided. Our meetings formally get started at 9:15 a.m. beginning with announcements. We then segue into an activity or craft, listen to a guest speaker or a message from one of our fantastic mentor moms followed by discussion time, and before you know it, it’s time to clean up and pick up your children at 11:15 a.m.

>> back to top

What events or activities do you do throughout the year?

Operation Christmas Child boxes
West Side MOPS delivered over 40 boxes to Operation Christmas Child this past year.

We kick off our MOPS year the first Friday in October and begin collecting shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a missions project through Samaritan’s Purse. Moms, with the help of their children, begin to put together shoe boxes filled with appropriate supplies and gifts, in order to send them around the world to children in need of a smile and an opportunity to know God’s love. Millions of shoe boxes are collected each year and West Side MOPS is happy to be a part of it.

If you asked most moms what they would love to do if they had a few hours to themselves, what do you think they’d say? I think it is safe to say that many would reply “Be Pampered!!” All our moms look forward to our Spa Day, typically held in the Spring, where they are pampered by mini manicures, massages, hair and color consults, hand massages, makeup consultation, gift bags, and delicious food all donated by local West Seattle businesses! It is a day not to be missed!

Spa Day, image 1Spa Day, image 2Spa Day, image 3
Spa Day at its Best! View participating local businesses at Spa Day Spring 2010

Spring Tea
Ladies bring out the fine china to share in fellowship and yummy food!

Throughout our year we usually have one or two fundraisers, and one of our favorites is the West Side Spring Tea. For the past five years MOPS has enjoyed participating in the elegant event, put on by the Women’s Ministry at West Side Presbyterian, by hosting a Tea Shop and serving tea to the ladies in attendance. Some of our moms have even hosted their own tables for family and friends!

80s Day
In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, MOPS flaunts the 80s!

Occasionally, we do get a little goofy and have Pajama Day, 80s Day, or whatever the mood strikes us.

Throughout the year moms are able to bring "like new" children/maternity items to our Swap table which is a huge benefit to moms looking for that next size up in clothing or new toy. All items left over are donated to WestSide Baby, a local nonprofit organization devoted to providing essential items to local children in need.

View the event calendar for a complete list of activities.

>> back to top

Are there any fees?
We are required to register all moms with MOPS International per our charter agreement which currently costs $24 per mom, the entire sum going to support the MOPS International organization. Registration benefits for this year include:

  • Cover to MomSense magazineMomSense Magazine, a bi-monthly magazine for a full year of mothering expertise, parenting tips and fun things to do with your preschoolers.
  • Mom E-Mail,
    Weekly bursts of encouragement!
  • MOPS logo "Friends don't let friends mother alone!" reusable shopping bag
  • MOPS Bumper Sticker
  • No Mom Alone 2-in-1 Frame Magnet
  • Bag tag that can be used on luggage, gym bag or a diaper bag

We have been blessed with the generous support of our chartering church, West Side Presbyterian, who often supplements a portion of the registration fee. There are scholarships available if needed. Simply check the box on your registration form. We have a suggested donation of $5 per meeting that helps support our administrative costs and snacks for the children. All MOPS leaders and MOPPETS Helpers volunteer their time.

>> back to top

Do the moms and kids stay together?
No. This organization is focused on nurturing YOU! We are fortunate to be able to offer limited childcare free of charge by wonderful volunteers so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee, a yummy snack and a much needed break from being mommy. 

These loving caregivers enjoy spending time with your children and have been so gracious in giving their 1st and 3rd Friday mornings to take of your most precious possessions.

All children over the age of 3 months can be dropped off in designated, age-appropriate rooms. Procedures are in place to keep a high level of safety and security for your kids as well as communication with you throughout the meetings. Please feel free to contact us for room ratios and additional questions about our MOPPETS program.

What do the kids do while in their MOPPETS room?
Each room has a curriculum, except the infant room where the ladies just love to hold and rock your babies and chat with each other. In the nursery, volunteers engage in and supervise play time and snack. Children ages 2 years and older are divided up by their age; volunteers follow a curriculum that includes songs, story time, snack and craft projects.

 

>> back to top

 

 

Resources:

MOPS International website
MOPS International website
http://www.mops.org/
 

MOPShop
Samaritan’s Purse
WestSide Baby