by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
I am as aware as any man can be of how hard it is to be a mom. As one of six children and the father of five, I’ve witnessed it every day of my life.
No amount of observation, though, can help me understand motherhood like another mom can. That’s why I’m so glad mothers are supporting one another through Moms of Lawrence County, a Facebook group that exists on- and off-screen.
It is now also a nonprofit with the mission of “Empowering Moms, Enriching Lives.” Its first project is the conversion of a Lawrenceburg house into the LawCo Kids Center, a place for short-term childcare drop-off, after-school teen programs, group therapy, open play dates, fitness and enrichment classes for kids and moms – and much, much more. But first, let me share how this all got started.
U.S. Army combat veteran Tabetha Garcia and her family have lived in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Arizona and arrived in Lawrence County three years ago. She and her husband were foster parents and had three young children of their own. She saw a lack in the community for moms like herself, and established the Moms of Lawrence County (TN, y’all) private Facebook group.
About 30 mothers joined initially; membership now tops 1,800. It includes moms from Loretto to Summertown who work or stay at home, with one child or many, who homeschool or not. The page has posts from mothers seeking advice about local dentists, kid-friendly vacation spots, daycare and more. Moms feel free to share their wins, disappointments, and struggles with ‘mom guilt.’
Members also gather regularly with their kids at local playgrounds. They go to Moms’ Night Outs at local restaurants and Monthly Mom Meet-Ups – a recent one featured a soup exchange. Some kind of gathering is planned once or twice a week, and Tabetha said about 75 members actively participate.
A majority are new to Lawrence County, like a mom who recently moved here from Alaska. “I don’t have any friends or family in this area,” she said, a simple statement of fact that carries incredible weight. Moms of Lawrence County exists to connect and support women like her and those who have lived here all their lives.
“The mission is to help women find friends, and just love on them,” Tabetha said. LawCo Kids Center will be a place where moms and kids can make connections with one another and the community, grow, learn, and have fun.
You can see the house and remodeling progress on the Facebook page LawCo Kids Center. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563090482176…# With a goal of opening in May 1, founding memberships are available until then at $35/month.
The project also needs support from residents who may not use the Center. That support could also be in the form of a monthly membership payment. In addition, please consider donating generously at the Moms of Lawrence County road block, set for Saturday, March 22, 7-11:30 a.m.
Have you ever heard the saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world?” It’s actually the title of a poem about the power of motherhood and the impact it has on the character and future of a child. I can’t come up with a better reason to support Moms of Lawrence County and LawCo Kids Center. It’s an investment in all our futures.
