We currently offer monthly Hope Meetings in two Iowa communities, including Polk City (near Des Moines) and Ames. Below, you will find details pertaining to each location followed by a FAQ section that we hope will answer some of your questions.
Ames Group
The Ames group started meeting in January of 2010. We currently meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Church in Ames (Junction of Hwy 30 and I-35).
Polk City Group
The Polk City group is the original Mommies with Hope group, which started in November of 2007. We currently meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Lakeside Fellowship/Former E Free Church (302 S. 2nd St.).
Frequently Asked Questions
(If you have questions that are not listed below, please email them to us at info@mommieswithhope.com)
(If you have questions that are not listed below, please email them to us at info@mommieswithhope.com)
* What is a typical support group meeting like?
We are a very casual and laid-back group. Each of the support groups are led by women who have experienced some sort of pregnancy or infant loss and who have a desire to provide comfort to other women who have "been there."
When you arrive, you can expect to enjoy some sort of light refreshment/dessert and will be asked to fill out a brief informational card, which will allow us to add you to our email list and to gather a little bit of information about what brought you to the group.
We typically start and end each meeting in prayer. Whenever there is a new "mommy" in attendance, we start the meeting off by allowing each woman to share their story(ies) of loss. Women are encouraged to share as little or as much as they are comfortable with. By sharing our stories, we are able to connect with others who have similar losses (for example: twin loss, loss of a child due to a chromosomal abnormality, early miscarriage, etc.)
The meetings are discussion-based and allow for women to bring up any issues, struggles, or questions they want to discuss with the group. Support group leaders make every effort to provide godly counsel from a biblical perspective, standing firm on the truths of Scripture. Leaders typically plan a 10-15 structured teaching component or activity to be implemented during the meetings to help spur on discussion if needed.
We are a very casual and laid-back group. Each of the support groups are led by women who have experienced some sort of pregnancy or infant loss and who have a desire to provide comfort to other women who have "been there."
When you arrive, you can expect to enjoy some sort of light refreshment/dessert and will be asked to fill out a brief informational card, which will allow us to add you to our email list and to gather a little bit of information about what brought you to the group.
We typically start and end each meeting in prayer. Whenever there is a new "mommy" in attendance, we start the meeting off by allowing each woman to share their story(ies) of loss. Women are encouraged to share as little or as much as they are comfortable with. By sharing our stories, we are able to connect with others who have similar losses (for example: twin loss, loss of a child due to a chromosomal abnormality, early miscarriage, etc.)
The meetings are discussion-based and allow for women to bring up any issues, struggles, or questions they want to discuss with the group. Support group leaders make every effort to provide godly counsel from a biblical perspective, standing firm on the truths of Scripture. Leaders typically plan a 10-15 structured teaching component or activity to be implemented during the meetings to help spur on discussion if needed.
* Are men welcome at the support group meetings?
The monthly "hope meetings" (support group meetings) are reserved for women only at this point. If there is a man interested in receiving support, we can informally arrange for some of the other dads to meet with him during our regular meeting time (with notice), but there is not an official group for dads. However, we do occasionally hold social gatherings where couples and/or families are encouraged to attend. This may be something like a dinner out, a speaking event, or a potluck/game night. The socials have been a good way to connect the men with one another.
* Do I need to pre-register to attend the support group meetings?
Not at all! All are welcome and pre-registration is not required. You can just show up at the meeting you wish to attend, or if you prefer, you can email us at info@mommieswithhope.com and one of the leaders will be in touch with you.
* Do I need to bring anything to the support group meetings?
No, just yourselves! We recognize that this can be the toughest part. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a support group during such a difficult time and we commend you for that. Don't stop there, commit to coming if you feel so led, and know that there will be women eager to comfort and support you. Since we are a biblically-based group and often go to Scripture to find encouragement, some women do bring bibles if they have them. If you have a bible you would like to bring, you are welcome to do so, but this is not required.
* I noticed that the group meetings occur at specific churches. Do I need to be a part of that particular church or denomination to come?
Absolutely not! The churches where we hold our meeting are gracious enough to let us use their space in order to offer the group to anyone who would like to come. Church attendance, membership, or affiliation are not a prerequisite. Our group is diverse, including women who come from various denominational backgrounds and/or church experience. You may have never been to church in your life and that is perfectly fine and you are completely welcome at our meetings! More than anything, we want to be able to support and encourage you during this difficult time, so please do not hesitate to come if you feel so led.
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