New mothers club in town

BY CLAUDIA CARAMIELLO

Sussex County — "The word 'mother' means something different for everyone. But although each mother is different, we all have that need to connect to others," says Erin Holcomb, who along with Alicia DiCataldo, is a co-leader of a different type of mother's group that has started a chapter in Sussex County. More than just a place for moms to chat about their toddlers' eating issues or how to make the transition from crib to bed, Mothers and More is a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. It offers a place for mothers to connect from all avenues of life.

Open to all

Holcomb describes the organization as a place for everyone — from first-time mothers to seasoned grandmothers — and says offers support through monthly chapter meetings, mom's nights out, family activities, special interest clubs and community service projects.
The monthly chapter meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at Sheridan's Lodge in Andover and feature guest speakers on topics such as finances, couponing and stress management.
Co-leader Alicia DiCataldo of Hampton was drawn to the group's ability to accommodate the working mother. As a teacher in Jersey City, DiCataldo isn't able to join traditional mom groups, which often meet once a week during the day.
"As a working mother, I found that Mothers and More has a real purpose and embraces all types of mothers and offers niches within the group as well," says DiCataldo. "You can join the book club, the fitness club, even a knitting club. I like how Mothers and More goes beyond being the traditional mommy and me playgroup," says DiCataldo.

A helping hand in the community

In addition to allowing mothers to focus on themselves and providing support for the challenges each mother faces, Mothers and More is also focused on helping mothers of the community who sometimes need a hand. One recent event — Power of the Purse — is a nationwide effort to collect gently used donated purses and distribute them to local organizations that help mothers who are struggling to get back on their feet and back into the workforce. Mothers and More set up drop-off locations in Sussex County, collecting more than 140 purses as well as wallets, unused cosmetics, combs and other items found in a woman's handbag. The bags were given to Sussex Circles Program, which helps educate women on how to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
"This is such an important event because a woman's purse kind of defines who she is," says DiCataldo. "We women carry our lives in our purse, so collecting purses for women is a way to empower them."

Helping the chapter grow

Both DiCataldo and Holcomb strive to continue reaching out to the mothers of Sussex county and they feel this chapter of Mothers and More will grow.
"There is a chapter in Pike County (Pa.) and one in Wayne, yet there wasn't anything in between. That is why I felt it was so important to begin a chapter in Sussex County," says Holcomb. "The goal for Mothers and More is to have 10 members in the first three months of starting a new chapter...I'm not going to let this fail; I want to keep going and let moms out there know they have someone to connect to here," she adds, "Even if you're a step-mom, you still have an important role; even if you are a grandma raising your grandkids, there is something for you with Mothers and More."

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