The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization providing friendship, education, outreach, and support for all parents across Central New Jersey. Throughout the year the Mothers’ Center offers daytime and evening discussion and craft groups, book clubs, morning and afternoon playgroups, library and referral resources, and special events. The center holds groups and events at the Garwood Presbyterian Church and Casano Community Center in Roselle Park. On-site babysitting is available for most daytime activities. New members are welcome at any time.
The vision of the Mother’s Center is a society in which parenting is valued, and caregivers are supported. We strive to be a resource for our members both as women and mothers.
To create a network of support for local mothers
To raise awareness of and promote maternal well being
To be a resource for center members
To advocate for public policies that value the work of care giving
MCCNJ has regular daytime activities at the Garwood Presbytarian Church during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. Summertime gatherings take place at the Casano Center in Roselle Park. Open Houses are held at the church.
After reading an article in a sociological journal about a Mothers’ Center on Long Island, Carol Goodman advertised in the Suburban News, searching for women interested in starting a local Mothers’ Center. Five women met in July of 1978. At that time, no one but the moms themselves seemed to understand that motherhood comes with isolation and frustration as well as joy. Through peer-facilitated discussion groups, moms could share their experiences with other moms in a trusting, respectful environment.
In February of 1979, the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey welcomed members with a workshop at the Scotch Plains Library on the “Stress of Motherhood.” Thereafter, evening groups met in a members’ homes. During the second year workshops and groups were held at the Westfield Public School Administration Building. That same year we sponsored an all-day conference entitled “Mother Care: Viewing Motherhood as a Growth Experience,” a dramatic outreach to the community.
In June of 1980, in affiliation with the Westfield Y, we began offering daytime groups and childcare. Our membership doubled.
Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) became incorporated in 1984. In 1985, MCCNJ received a $10,000 grant to begin an on-site babysitting program and we moved to the Crescent Ave. Presbyterian Church in Plainfield. Also in 1985, our semi-annual kids' stuff consignment sale started as the major fundraiser for rent, insurance, and babysitting. Our membership boomed to over 100 women. As an all-volunteer cooperative, it was difficult to keep up with the growing need while still fulfilling the mission.
After a 6-year search for a new home, MCCNJ moved in 2004 to Cranford United Methodist Church and then in 2006 to Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2008, MCCNJ moved to Garwood Presbyterian Church where we have enjoyed a comfortable balance between nurturing our members and reaching out to others. After three decades of growth and change, MCCNJ continues to serve yet another generation of moms.
The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey is proud to be a member of the National Association of Mothers’ Centers. Each member of our center will receive a subscription to the NAMC News which is printed 3 to 4 times a year. In addition, the NAMC runs monthly webinars on topics such as parenting, nutrition and childhood education. These webinars are free to members of the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey.