When I became a mom I had the overwhelming need to get out and connect with other moms, but Jacksonville seemed so big and intimidating to me. I had no idea where to start, so I would stake out my local Barnes & Noble hoping to meet another mom that would want to talk to me. Which isn’t all bad because they have pretty spectacular storytimes on Tuesdays and Fridays! However, I became the dreaded stalker mom that people tend to avoid. The over-eager, trying-too-hard mom that eventually scares people away. Then I found Jacksonville Moms Blog and decided to go to one of their Park Hops. I was welcomed so warmly and I knew immediately that I found my people.
Something was missing, though. Jacksonville still felt awfully big and intimidating. Thankfully, the co-founders of JMB decided to create the JMB Neighborhood Groups! These groups have helped me meet so many great moms and my little boy has made new friends. As the Neighborhood Group facilitator, my main goal is to take that ‘bigness’ away. I want to create an easier platform for moms to meet, feel welcomed and supported by one another on a more personal level. These groups have not only helped me, but they have helped many others. I can count on the moms in the groups for questions about pediatricians, the best date night restaurant or even a last minute play date! We are 7,500 moms strong and growing.
New Mom- Belinda Jean Rubio
It’s helped me open up and realize I am not the only one going through certain situations. I have been a hermit since I had my baby, and it’s slowly helping me get out of the house and meet new moms–and my son gets to be around more children. Half the time I’ll be thinking about a question I have and then bam someone is already asking the same question, and everyone is there to help solve the problem.
Military Mom- Mischelle Staines Storm
I think the groups have helped me meet moms in my area and not just within my husband’s job. It helped make my transfer to a new city more welcoming and easier to transition since a lot of people were either in the same boat as me, or have been there before.
Working Mom- Angelica
They make me feel not alone. I work at a place where not everyone understands how lonely motherhood can be or the guilt that comes with it. It’s nice to have a support group of moms that work away from home. Because honestly there’s a huge difference between moms who work and moms who don’t. And even moms who work from home and moms that work in an office.
Going Back to Work Mom- Laura Blanchard
I joined JMB Beaches/Intracoastal group right before I got pregnant with my second child. Now that I’m on maternity leave and a mom of a 3 1/2-year-old and 3-month old, I’m finding I don’t have a lot of free time to research and so I am appreciating this group
as a resourceful one-stop-shop! With my return to work date approaching, this group has supported me in both meeting other mom’s in similar situations to enjoy coffee and conversation, to endure some grueling workouts with Stroller Strength and most importantly, connect me with many childcare providers. I recently joined the JMB Working Mom’s group and look forward to that connection as well.
New to Jax Mom- Kelly Burdick Ogram
My family and I moved to Jacksonville in September 2015. I found Jacksonville to be very intimidating and didn’t know how I was going to adjust. One of the hardest parts of moving to a new area was not having the support of my family and friends. I started going to the weekly play dates and enjoyed myself so much that I try to make as many play dates and events that I can. My son and I have enjoyed everything that we have attended and really love getting to know the local moms and children. I have made some wonderful friends in the short time we have lived here and hope to make many more.
Jacksonville Moms Blog has made it easy to ask for help and advice without judgment. This group provides the resources I need, such as pediatricians, local events, veterinarians, restaurants, and much more. I appreciate the ladies who put this group together and have helped me adjust to living in Jacksonville. You have made the transition much easier for me and my family by making new friends and going new places. Jacksonville Moms Blog has been a lifesaver for me.
Veteran Mom- Julie Wiggins Sorenson
Through the JMB Neighborhood Group events, I have discovered new places with my two sons (ages 3 & 6) and met new friends. Last March, I attended a play date at Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres for all of the Neighborhood Groups. My children and I had an amazing time at this fun, well-organized event. I didn’t know one of the moms I met that day would become one of my closest friends!
Additionally, I love the informality of the groups. I joined two groups, and each group has a closed Facebook group where members can post events and questions, or ask for recommendations (Help! I need a plumber!) Since I grew up in Neptune Beach, I know a lot about the Jacksonville area, and I am happy to share this information with other moms, especially new moms or moms who recently moved to this area. I think the JMB Neighborhood groups are an asset to our community, and I wish they existed when I was a new mom!
My hope is that the JMB groups continue to grow and make Jacksonville a tight-knit community of strong moms that help and support each other. Being a mom is a tough job, let’s make the journey a more pleasant one by being there for one another.
Join the JMB Neighborhood Groups here!
