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PPD MOMS
(Mothers Offering Mothers Support)
Who are we?
PPD MOMS MISSION STATEMENT
PPD MOMS is a Washington D.C. based, volunteer-led organization providing support services to women and their families struggling with the effects of postpartum depression (PPD) or related mood disorders. We are privileged to work under the auspices and philosophy of the Family Mental Health Foundation (FMHF), a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find compassionate care so they do not suffer alone.
PPD MOMS provides the following services:
- Telephone support
- Peer support groups
- Referrals to professionals
- Public education
- Awareness and advocacy
History
The Family Mental Health Foundation was founded in the early 1980’s and has earned great respect for being a recent recipient of a substantial Healthy Start Grant. This four-year grant funds screening and support services for moms at two primary care settings in Washington D.C.
Volunteers were recruited soon after the grant was awarded in 2001. PPD MOMS came to fruition in the summer of 2002 after it became apparent to the volunteers that resources identified for the Healthy Start Grant were also needed by others outside of the Grant parameters.
The group began working toward establishing resources and securing training to offer qualified services. PPD MOMS will hold its first support group in December 2002 and will launch four (4) others in various locations throughout the DC Metro area beginning in January 2003.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with PPD MOMS, please email us at PPDMoms@fmhf.org We will send you a volunteer application and discuss a role that is right for you based on your preference and availability.
Support Groups
“It was enormously reassuring to me to find out that other people had experienced the same sort of feelings as I had and that I did not have to pretend to be feeling alright.” -- Support Group Participant
We currently have four support groups in the Washington DC Metro Area. Most groups will begin regular weekly sessions in January. Please call the listed contact person for the specific dates and locations.
Our Groups
- Fairfax, VA Open* groups meet Saturdays 9:30am-11am.
Contact: Benta, 703-536-9469.
- Rockville, MD Closed* groups meet Tuesdays 7pm-8:30pm.
Contact: Liz, 301-467-6717.
- N.W., D.C. St. David's Episcopal Church, Macomb St. Closed* groups meet Wednesday 7pm-8:30pm. Contact: Valerie, 202-342-9888.
- N.W., D.C. near Van Ness Metro. Open* groups meet 1st and 3rd Sundays 1:30pm-3pm. Contact: Jennifer 202-363-8200 or Brenda 410-349-1880.
Cost
There is no cost for the support groups. We do, however, suggest a donation to our foundation. We run solely on donations, and all funds are critical to maintain our services to the public.
Suggested donations: $5, $15, $25 or $100
Purpose
A support group is not a substitution for professional therapy; rather it acts as a supplement - a boost- to the help of your therapist. A self-help group runs on the principle that a trouble shared is a trouble halved. It allows one to use her own strength to resolve problems. If you are not under the care of a professional (i.e. psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, social worker, etc.) we can provide a list of professionals in your area who may be able to help you.
For reasons of confidentiality, our groups are for PPD mothers only. Some sessions may be open to husbands/partners, and other family members (check with your facilitator for more information.)
*Note: An open group means that participants are free to come to groups whenever they feel the need to attend. This group runs continuously and will welcome new members at any time. A closed group starts and ends with the same participants and runs for 8 consecutive weeks. Once a closed group has begun no new members will be accepted. The two different styles are provided to allow each participant to decide with which group style she is most comfortable.
