This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Mom's Escape: Get Supported

Sometimes, a mom's greatest escape isn't necessarily a good time or a getaway. Instead, it can be getting support from other moms, women or people for the issues that matter most. Let's explore.

While taking a break from the family is a great, fun and sometimes much-needed escape, we tend to forget that sometimes a break can be getting support from other people for the things that touch our lives.

Yes, it's lovely to have friend and family support us in our time of need or with an issue that is important to us.

However, sometimes, we need to surround ourselves with people dealing with the same situation that are not personally connected to us to feel better, learn, and/or accomplish a goal.

Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Maybe the support is simply social. Perhaps it's to support a medical condition you live with. You may look at groups to support your health and fitness goals.

If you are a parent to a special needs child, maybe you need to be with other parents in the same boat that just get it. Maybe you are dealing with grieving the loss of a loved one and need some extra understanding and TLC. You've tried to stop smoking but can't.

Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Whatever the issue or concern, there's help out there.

We are lucky to live in a large community filled with resources to help that are either free or low cost. We'll start with some of the larger organizations that offer many support groups. Following that, we'll look a little more at specific organizations. Be sure to click on the links to get more information about each group.

Local Area Hospitals

Our local hospitals have many support groups to help you. MultiCare has four local area hospitals, many clinics and programs serving the South Puget Sound. The support groups here are vast. Please click HERE to see literally more than 100 listings of support group offerings, news features, and a calendar.

Franscican Health Systems has hospitals in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Gig Harbor, as well as many local area clinics. They offer many support groups throughout their facilities. Click HERE to start exploring.

Do you have a needs child? There is a great website called Parent Support Group that lists many vital support groups and other resources around town to help you cope with being a caregiver to a special needs child. From autism to learning disabilities, the links on this site will help you take a look at the options out there.

Do you have diet and fitness goals that you need some extra support for? Besides some of the area hospitals (see above for links), the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap County have terrific groups to meet your needs. See their website for details, fees, and locations.

Do you just want to hang out with other moms and shoot the breeze and make some new friends? There are many local Moms groups around town. Here are a few to start:

MOMS Club of Tacoma

Greater Moms Club of Tacoma

MOPS Mothers of Preschoolers


This is just the beginning,Β  Moms. Most importantl ,take care of yourselves. It's not just a benefit for you, but for your family. It really is worth it.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from University Place