Stittsville Facebook group brings moms together

Posted Nov 13, 2009 By Sarah Kelford

Sarah Kelford, Stittsville

Richmond EMC

EMC News - When Kelly C moved to Stittsville she didn't know anyone. She made a group on the social networking website Facebook to connect with other moms in the community.

There were seven members initially and by the end of the year, that number was up to 100. Now, even though C has moved away from Stittsville, the group "Stittsville Moms" tops 300 members strong.

"Kelly originally started the group because her husband is in the military and they transfer a lot," explained current administrator Christine Kulla, who along with Jennifer Riches Bergsma took over the group after C's family was posted to Winnipeg. "A lot of connections are made in this group."

Riches Bergsma, a stay-at-home mom of two, noted that she didn't know C before finding the group on Facebook.

"I was on Facebook and started networking and tried to make connections. Kelly welcomed me into the group and invited me to a play group and we became great friends," said Riches Bergsma. "We all have common goals - to connect with moms out there. It makes for stay-at-home moms to not feel lonely."

Kulla, a working mom of three boys, noted that it also helps her stay connected with the moms at home since going back to work.

Members of the group set up weekly playdates, support each other's homebased businesses, offer advice and support one another. Kulla and Riches Bergsma noted that whether moms are new to the community or already live here Stittsville Moms is a way to connect.

"We want to support moms," said Kulla. "It makes you feel more secure because it's local moms. Hitting over 300 is great because we're such a small community. We're proud of it."

Kulla has recently started sending out monthly newsletters to inform group members of group events, local businesses and community happenings.

"There's an honest attempt to help people out," said Kulla. "The group is a safe place for people to go to ask about kids, about services - it's a starting point for people."

Kulla noted that since Stittsville is a growing community, a number of moms join before moving to the community.

"It connects moms," said Riches Bergsma, noting there are a few dads in the group as well.

Kulla and Riches Bergsma are planning to host a pot luck in the new year to celebrate the group and have a chance for members to get together and meet one another.

"All members are invited to come out to events," said Riches Bergsma, noting that it's always nice to meet new moms. "The group is a fun and safe way to connect."

All parents in Stittsville are welcome to join the Facebook group to connect with parents in the community. Visit www.facebook.com and search "Stittsville Moms."