BRITTANY DELONG

A local program designed to provide support for Mothers of Preschoolers is seeing growth.

Mothers of Preschoolers coordinator Andrea Hindmon said Friday the program has taken off this year.

The program is a nondenominational community group that gives mothers and their children an opportunity to interact with each other.

“It’s a Christian organization,” Hindmon said. “But there are women who come that don’t attend church.”

Currently, the group has approximately 18 mothers and 27 children, she said.

“We had an open house on the 22nd (of August) and eight new moms came to see what it was all about,” she said. “At least six returned.”

Hindmon said the newest mom hails from California and brought her infant to the latest meeting, which was held Friday.

“It’s a good way for her to connect,” Hindmon said.

The group meets twice a month at the First Presbyterian Church and it provides opportunities for both mothers and children.

The 4-and-5-year-olds attend story time and make arts and crafts at the Andalusia Public Library with Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray.

“Story time is a really good program at the library,” Hindmon said. “The library loves having us.”

While the children are busy with their activities, the moms come together to encourage each other, take a break from the kids and connect.

They often have community members speak or present a program with the mothers. Programs have included CrossFit, yoga, cooking and gardening classes.

Additionally, service is a big component of the organization.

MOPS has developed the Full Tummy Project to help give back to the community.

The program was founded to provide food assistance for low income families and others who need food.

“We also do a service project as moms,” she said. “We pack a grocery bag of food that will last them (school children) over the weekend.”

The project includes children of all grades, she said.

MOPS meets again on Sept. 16, at 9 a.m.