By KENDRA McBRIDE

Special to The Hays Daily News

Moving to a new town, having a baby or leaving the workforce to be an at-home mom all are exciting new beginnings. Along with that excitement, however, these new beginnings also can bring anxiety, loneliness and frustration.

Moms can find themselves overwhelmed with questions, such as, "Where can I find a good preschool?" "Is my baby eating enough?" or "What can I do in this town to keep my kids busy?" It is important that moms in a community are able to connect with one another for support and answers to those questions. One local organization offers just that: a network of support for at-home moms.

MOMS Club of Hays, founded in 2005 and a chapter of the International MOMS Club, is a group designed for the at-home mother of today focusing on providing support for both mothers and children in the community and a forum for topics of interest to help mothers. Jennifer Verdugo began the local chapter.

"I was involved in a MOMS Club in Akron, Ohio, before moving to Hays," Verdugo said. "I had seen the success and importance of having the support and connection with other moms, so I started a chapter here."

Jeni Weilert agrees moms having that connection is key.

"MOMS Club allowed me to network with other moms quickly," said Weilert, who joined MOMS Club shortly after moving to Hays last year. "It also introduced my daughter to many kids her age so she could start making new friends."

"My son and I have both built wonderful friendships with other moms and their kids. I can't imagine my life now without MOMS Club," said Chelsea Moore, secretary.

Today, the chapter has about 35 members, with children ranging in age from newborn to elementary school. Activities take place several times a week at varies times of day to accommodate different schedules. A typical month might include park or craft playdates, holiday parties such as the costume party later this month, group outings such as a movie, bowling, mini-golf or swimming, and tours of local places of interest, such as the post office or a pumpkin patch.

Events and activities take place during the day when at-home moms need the support the most. One night every month, MOMS Night Out is offered, giving moms the opportunity to take some time to relax with other moms. Activities vary, such as dinner and a movie night, a trip to Hays Academy for pedicures, manicures or facials, or the upcoming holiday wrapping party in December.

"There are always so many fun activities to attend, and the best thing of all is that you can go to as much or as little as you want, whatever your schedule allows," Moore said.

Members and moms interested in joining can pick up a newsletter, including an events schedule, at the monthly business meeting.

MOMS Club of Hays has its business meeting at 10 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at Hays Recreation Center. For a schedule or information about joining the local chapter, contact President Kendra McBride at (785) 628-8014 or membership vice president Kari Geerdes at (785) 650-0647, or visit www.easysite.com/HaysMOMS Club.

Kendra McBride is president of MOMS Club of Hays.