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lhastie · 02-10-2010, 12:30 AM

Hi! I'm being a pain in the bum and posting this somewhere more obvious than my sister (Kendra) originally posted this. It kind of got buried in the Chit Chat section and I think it deserves a bit more visibility

I'm sure many of you have heard of Mother Reach. I know from a variety of threads that many of you have benefited directly from the programs Mother Reach offers, or have a friend who has, or knows of someone they wished had had access to program like this or maybe were in need of support when they were reading with postpartum depression. Programs like this are what make communities places we want to live!

They are holding an event "Out of the Blue," which will be a silent auction and live auction fundraiser, on April 16th.

So, how does this involve you? They need your support to make this event a success and raise the funds they need to keep their programs running. Did you know their only funding source is the generosity of the community?

I'm going to quote Kendra's originally post for how you can help:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kendra

Hi All, My name is Kendra and I'm a registered nurse, and soon to be first time mum, in late May. I'm a relative Newbie here on LM's.

I am hoping to gather some support from this awesome group of women. I work with a group I am hoping many of you have heard of called MotherReach. We offer support to women and families experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum mood disorders. We are a not for profit organization, and as a result, are running an event on the 16th of April 2010, called Out of the Blue. This event is a silent and live auction, with cocktails and hor'deurves. We are looking for support for this event is several ways.
1. Donations - if you are a WAHM, own your own business etc, we'd appreciate any and all donations no matter the size to be added to our silent/live auction
2. Volunteers - we need enthusiastic people to help with the planning of the event, and on the night of the event. Most of this can be done virtually while you are home with your little ones.
3. Come to the event! We are launching sales January 7th. This event, if successful, could mean sustaining our program for 1 or more years, and allowing for expansion of the program to more locations for ease of access for mums in all areas of the city.

If you are willing and able to help in any of these capacities, please PM me, or email me at kendra@hastie.ca Thanks so much for your time.

I'm posting links to a couple of files that might be of interest/useful to you. (They're tinyurl links to somewhat anonymize my domain name a little bit

)

Information sheet on Mother Reach: http://tinyurl.com/MotherReach-info

Letter regarding donations: http://tinyurl.com/MotherReach-donation

Their website:
Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) | Mother Reach

THANKS!

lhastie · 02-10-2010, 12:31 AM

I'm posting the text from their information letter, because I think it is really valuable to see and I know sometimes dealing with links is a pain

Quote:

Mother Reach London & Middlesex

Mother Reach London & Middlesex (Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) | Mother Reach) is a collection of volunteer professionals and parents whose purpose is to create community awareness about Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMD), including Postpartum Depression. In addition, great effort is spent educating and training various professionals about PPMD and providing invaluable services to the many families at risk of and/or experiencing postpartum mood disorders in our community.

In recent years, Mother Reach became internationally recognized leaders in service innovation with the establishment of an interdisciplinary Drop-In service where families at risk of and/or experiencing PPMD receive the help they need. Services include screening for PPMD, crisis support, facilitating referrals to community resources, and supportive counselling. Also, women have the option of participating in a group support circle facilitated by a trained peer mentor, who is also a survivor of PPMD. Educational sessions on various wellness practices such as yoga, massage, and nutrition are also offered. Childcare, transportation, nutritious snacks, and language interpretation are available.

In addition, support services for fathers and couples are offered. These evening sessions are facilitated by a male therapist and peer support. All the services are free of charge to all families.

Mother Reach does not have a funding source and relies on the generous donations of individuals and businesses in our community. In our community, Mother Reach is the only provider of services specifically created to help families impacted by Postpartum Depression.

For more information, visit Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) | Mother Reach

Leigh · 02-10-2010, 12:35 AM

thanks for sharing Lauren!

there is a mom who actually posted tonight about how she's having a difficult time with PPD. Hopefully she'll see this and reach out to Mother Reach.

lhastie · 02-10-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leigh

thanks for sharing Lauren!

there is a mom who actually posted tonight about how she's having a difficult time with PPD. Hopefully she'll see this and reach out to Mother Reach.

I hope so!

And I always worry that when funding is difficult to come by that programs will shut down and that would be an incredible loss for the community!

Leigh · 02-10-2010, 12:42 AM

100% agree. It would be a huge loss. I know many a mom who have used this resource.

dianakiwi · 02-13-2010, 02:57 PM

Thanks for this post!! I hadn't heard of Mother Reach before, and sounds like an excellent resource and something that could help me. I think post natal depression can show up in many different ways, and having children can bring to the surface any underlying mood disorder, adhd, anxiety etc, that was able to be managed better prior to the extra emotional demands parenting can bring.
Thanks again, I'm keen to visit the 'drop in' meeting group on Thursdays.

PurpleCat · 02-13-2010, 07:17 PM

bumpity!

laurensmom · 02-13-2010, 09:09 PM

Anyone know where this event is being held?

lhastie · 02-13-2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurensmom

Anyone know where this event is being held?

Hey! I found this on their website:

Event Details

When: Friday April 16, 2010

Time: 7:30pm - 1:00am

Where: The Arts Project, 203 Dundas Street, London, ON

Mega Mom · 02-27-2010, 10:35 AM

I am going to post here so I remember this event. If it weren't for the Mother Reach program a few years ago and the great friends I made as a results, I don't know if I would have made it through my PPD as well as I did. I hope they are able to continue and get the funding they need.

momtotwoboys · 02-27-2010, 03:30 PM

Hey MM, long time no see.

I feel like I should support this too, as they also helped me a lot. It would be a shame if they weren't able to continue.

Mega Mom · 02-27-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momtotwoboys

Hey MM, long time no see.

I feel like I should support this too, as they also helped me a lot. It would be a shame if they weren't able to continue.

Yes I pop in once in a blue moon.

Well let us make it a date then!

lhastie · 03-07-2010, 06:33 PM

Glad you two found the thread

I'm bumping it up, well, because I like being obnoxious and think it is worth making sure more people see it

Mega Mom · 03-07-2010, 09:26 PM

Well momtotowboys said it was 75$/person now. I am not sure it I want to spend that much, seems a little bit steep. I really want to help out though, not sure what to do here.

lhastie · 03-08-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mega Mom

Well momtotowboys said it was 75$/person now. I am not sure it I want to spend that much, seems a little bit steep. I really want to help out though, not sure what to do here.

They are also looking for donations for their silent auction and volunteers to help too. You can email or PM Kendra (username Kendra as well) and she can let you know what else there is to help out if you want to support but can't attend