Staff Writer
A daily exchange with someone older than 8 is a small but welcome triumph for Erika Blumer.
Annette M. Drowlette/Staff
Charlene Newsome (left), who has a 3-year-old, chats with Jennifer Stanley, who started the group after moving here in February.
Annette M. Drowlette/Staff
Mrs. Blumer (left) talks with founder Jennifer Stanley. The Augusta Area Mommies meet for play dates with their children.
Annette M. Drowlette/Staff
Erika Blumer holds her daughter Laela, 6 months, as the Augusta Area Mommies meet at Evans Library Park.
The Martinez mother of four spends most of her day warning of timeouts and scheduling potty breaks between mealtimes. Augusta Area Mommies, a support and networking group for moms in Columbia, Richmond and Aiken counties, has given Mrs. Blumer a safe haven from kid stuff, she says.
"It really makes me feel like I'm not so alone," Mrs. Blumer said as her children ages 8 to 6 months played at the splash pad at Evans Library Park. "I'm stuck at home with kids all day, so it's nice to have a virtual conversation with other moms."
Jennifer Stanley, an Evans mother of two, started the group and hopes to help other mothers as she was helped several years ago. While living in the Charlotte, N.C., area, Mrs. Stanley found out about The Mommies Network, a national organization. Joining the group helped her find the right preschool for her daughter, now 5, and bond with other area moms.
"We moved here in February, and I realized that this area didn't really have any mommy-centered groups or Web sites," she said. "The main goal is to support other moms and help others in the community."
About 65 people have joined since June, and the mothers are planning to raise funds and participate in an autism walk in September. As the group grows, Mrs. Stanley said, she hopes the network can conduct several events for families in need.
The group has gathered for moms-only nighttime outings and play dates since the organization's inception, Mrs. Stanley said. Those who join can access the message boards, online forums and information about restaurants where children eat free. Registered members are also invited to the monthly outings at parks in Columbia, Richmond and, eventually, Aiken counties.
The most helpful element of Augusta Area Mommies is the advice and support offered on the Web site's message boards, said Charlene Newsome. The first-time mom of a 3-year-old said the feedback on schools, family-friendly restaurants and other parenting issues has been beneficial.
"It's something that my friends without kids and my husband can't really understand. It's just a great resource," she said. "When I'm stressed and needing support, it's nice to know I can talk to people without drama that won't judge me."
Moms interested in joining can contact Mrs. Stanley at jennifer@augustareamommies.com.
Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
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