The Bloomington nonprofit Brightpoint is launching a weekly support group for Hispanic mothers.
The first session is Thursday, Aug. 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Eastview Community Center in Bloomington. It's free to attend, and advanced registration is not required. Childcare is provided.
Javiera Monardez is a medical doctor from Chile and the group's facilitator. Monardez said the themes are group-led.
“The idea is to discuss on the first day what we’re going to focus on this year," she said in an interview. "We will set goals, we have to see what the mother’s interest are, and from there, create a schedule so we can get together every Thursday and do fun things.”
The group was formerly known as Strike Out Stress. They paused meeting until Monardez was hired.
Adriana Garcia attended the support group between 2015 and 2017. The group became her buffer against loneliness.
“It was a time I looked forward to because being a mom can be isolating. This became my circle of support,” she said.
Garcia said she met mothers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.
“I didn’t just adore this group for the fact that I could communicate in my language, but it was exposure to other cultures. I learned so much about their foods, culture, and vocabulary. Despite being Hispanic and speaking the same language, the vocabulary sometimes changes.”
Monardez hopes to continue building links in the community by connecting the group with experts on topics of interest.
“If mothers are interested in parenting issues and want to learn about substance abuse prevention, we’ll bring in someone to talk about it," she said. "If they want to talk to a police officer about keeping their children safe, then we’ll bring a police officer.”
Monardez said her goal is providing as much agency as possible, and a safe and comfortable space.
A family affair
Children will engage in life-skills development while being physically active—made possible by an ample play space and qualified caregivers.
“It has a rock-climbing area, a foam pit, and just a great environment to play – it’s great for mom and child. We have a caregiver that the children absolutely love,” Monardez said. "We want the moms to know their children will be well cared for."
Twice per month, a men’s support group will meet in tandem with the women’s group.
“Parents can come together on days when men’s group meets in-person. So, on those days, families don’t have to worry about cooking dinner. We provide a light meal,” Monardez said, “This could be a family activity. There’s something for everyone.”
For more information, contact Javiera Monardez at (612) 567-8674.
