JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
More than 40 Joint Team Andrews Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS, gathered Oct. 5 at Chapel 1 for a launch party to experience community, mothering, personal and spiritual support geared toward helping them become the best mothers possible.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Chapel 1 and will focus on this year's theme, "Together on Planet Mom."
"Being a mom can require a lot of time and be a lot of work," said Brenna McClenney, Andrews MOPS hospitality steering team leader and mom to Braiden, 4, Carsun, 2, and wife of Petty Officer 3rd Class C.J. McClenney, Navy VAQ-209 aviation structural mechanic. "Add the pressures of the military lifestyle to an already stressful situation and moms need a break. The chapel-sponsored MOPS program offers such a break."
With the unique set of circumstances facing military families, MOPS is designed to give Joint Team Andrews moms an environment where they will be warmly welcomed, encouraged and refreshed.
"As a mom and military wife, when my Navy husband deploys, I find myself with extra duties added to my already busy life," said Ms. McClenney. "Our hope at MOPS is to offer moms friendship, encouragement, a feeling of belonging and a place to go."
"MOPS is for our warriors who are also mothers, as well as the military wife," said Ch. (Capt.) Andrew Thornley, 316th Wing Protestant chaplain. "As MOPS grows, it will have a wonderful impact on this base. I see MOPS as supporting the family by supporting and mentoring moms. This program is akin to how the military trains and equips our warriors - and our hope is the same for mothers: to train and equip them."
"We want to provide all moms - whether Active Duty military, spouses and civilians with base-access - an opportunity to be refreshed, encouraged, and equipped to be a better mom - that's why the MOPS slogan is, 'Better moms make a better world,'" said Ms. McClenney.
Meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month and are specifically designed to build relationships through teaching, discussion groups, creative activities and fellowship time over dinner.
Ms. McClenney said moms needing assistance with childcare, either because dad is deployed or she is a single mom, can enroll their children in the MOPPETS program, designed for children offered at the same time as the MOPS meetings. The MOPS group also has special activities planned throughout the month including "MOPS and Tots" field trips and MOPS night out.
For more information, call Ms. McClenney at 704-245-3546.