Who we are

The MOMs Group of Oakwood is a non-profit group open to all mothers. We are located in Dayton, Ohio. We offer something for everyone! Activities include monthly meetings hosting pertinent speakers, a weekly themed playgroup, field trips, MOMs Night Out, a book club and even a brand new cooking club! The regular monthly meetings are generally held at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month from September to May.

The MOMs Group requires no formal membership. However, for a mother wishing to financially support the group, a $15 annual membership contribution will entitle her to a listing in the MOMs' directory, regular reminder emails, a copy of the monthly e-newsletter, and the opportunity to vote and serve as a committee member, if so desired.

Watch for fliers on community bulletin boards, notices in local newspapers and this website regarding information on monthly meetings and other MOMs Group activities. Drop-ins are always welcome.

Our History

Karin Brown founded the group in the spring of 1992. Karin had recently moved to Oakwood from Dallas where she had been active in a similar mothers group. She first talked with other mothers and members of the school administration to find out if the community would support such a group. The schools were enthusiastic about the idea because it could provide them with a feel for how many kindergartners they could expect in the coming years. (This was about the time that young families began to settle in Oakwood in higher numbers.)

An article was posted in the Oakwood Register and interested moms from Oakwood met to discuss forming a group. Around 15-20 women attended the first meeting, and the “Mothers of Oakwood Preschoolers” was born (a.k.a. MOPS). Planning occurred over the summer and the first regular monthly meeting occurred in September 1992 at the home of Allison Danis, with Donna Curry as the first speaker on the topic of developmental milestones of young children.

The group continued to meet monthly in members’ homes with speakers each month. The first few years focused on the monthly meetings and getting interesting speakers. It was also a wonderful way for mothers with young children to form new friendships. As we all know how tedious some days can be with our kids, Karin noted that the group provided a way to meet other mothers that gave you “affirmation that you weren’t losing your mind!” By the end of the first year, there were approximately 30 members.

In 1996, the national MOPS organization contacted the Oakwood group informing them that they could not use the licensed MOPS name. Consequently, a contest among members was held to come up with a new name. Mothers of Oakwood Munchkins was chosen, which was shortened to the MOMs Group of Oakwood by the following year.

In 1996, under the leadership of Katie Reese, a weekly playgroup was started in the Oakwood Community Center basement. The song, crafts, snacks, and story time format we use today has its roots here. By meeting weekly, the mothers got to know each other better, and in the next few years, more activities began for the group: a newsletter, MOMs Night Out, field trips, book club, exercise group, book drive, and more. The group began to grow. In 2003, the MOMs Holiday Showcase was launched to provide exposure for many area moms who have home-based businesses. The first edition of the Referral Network became available as well.

In 2006, the Cooking Club was formed by a group of Moms who wanted to have the opportunity to share recipes in a fun environment. The Referral Network issued its second edition in 2006 as well. Over the years, different activities have come and gone, and existing activities have become more elaborate. MOMs is always evolving to meet the changing needs of the group.

In 2007, the Little Hands Big Hearts committee was formed by a group of MOMs who wanted to give their children the opportunity to experience giving back to those less fortunate. And, the Spring Fling was added to provide an opportunity for moms and dads to have an evening out with other Oakwood parents.

Past and Current Presidents

This year's outreach committee members are:

  1. Karen Wonders- karen.wonders@wright.edu
  2. Myra Mardis - mfmardis@yahoo.com
  3. Mackensie Wittmer - mwittmer@gmail.com