Parenting Organizations in Rochester

There are a lot of ways to meet other parents for fun, education, and support in Rochester! Click below for links to:

Rochester-area MOPS

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. It exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups like these that provide a caring atmosphere for today’s mother of young children. MOPS has 3000 groups meeting in the USA and 18 other countries.

The Rochester-area MOPS meet in:

• Rochester, at North Baptist Church on St. Paul St
  
• Henrietta, at Calvary Community Church
  
• Ontario, at the Living Word Assembly Of God church, (315)524-6939
  
• Chili, at Parkminster Presbyterian Church
  
• Greece, at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, (585) 225-1690
  
• Livonia, at the United Church of Livonia, email ucl@cbtek.com
  
• Rush, at Wheatland Community Church
  
• Batavia, at Northgate Free Methodist Church (585)343-4011
  
• Dansville, at Grace Baptist Church, (585)335-6190
  
• Fairport, at Church of the Resurrection, 63 Mason Road, (585)223-5500 or (585)223-2806
  
• Castile, at Castile Baptist Church, (585)493-2549
  

Rochester-area MOMS clubs

The MOMS clubs in the Rochester area are part of an international network of MOMS clubs that provide support for at-home mothers. They provide a forum of topics of interest to women, focusing on giving mothers more of a voice in the community, having fun with children, and performing service projects in our community, especially projects benefitting women and children.

Mothers & More

A national non-profit organization for women who have altered their career paths to care for their children at home. We welcome mothers regardless of their work situation. They offer meetings for mothers, moms-and-tots outings, and family events.

Expectant Moms Club

While the Expectant Moms Club is a great place to get to know other soon-to-be mommies, it's more than just a social venue! This is a place where you can ask questions and get information about your pregnancy and childbirth concerns, as well as the various options you might want to consider for your birth -- What method of childbirth is best for you? Should you be following any particular diet? What about exercise? Where can you get help with breastfeeding questions? Should you learn baby massage or baby calming techniques? Where can you find the best maternity fashions? These are just some of the topics we discuss. Share your knowledge with other women who are expecting, and pick the minds of childbirth and pregnancy professionals who are invited guests of this forum. This forum also keeps its members up-to-date about upcoming events such as teleseminars, classes, presentations, baby fairs, social gatherings, and much more.

Roots and Wings Mothers Club

Roots & Wings Mothers Club has been serving moms of the Rochester area for more than 25 years. The group meets weekly during the school year for adult conversation, educational speakers, outings, crafts and activities. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 9:15 - 11:15 a.m. at St. Martin's Church, 813 Bay Rd. in Webster. The group is not church affiliated, and all are welcome. Babysitting is provided at every meeting! Please click on the link for details.

Honeoye Falls Parent's Co-Operative Playgroup

Provides socializing time for kids (infants through pre-K) and parents, as well as much-needed free time for parents. Meets every Wednesday morning during school term months (9:30am – 12:30pm). Fun, supervised play and socialization; children bring lunch (snack provided on volunteer rotation schedule); crafts, fitness & special programs each week; operated and staffed by parents (parent works approximately once per month, remaining weeks parent has free time).
Located at the First Presbyterian Church, downtown Honeoye Falls, and serving the community since 1978. For membership information, contact Kim at 582-2007.

Friends and Neighbors of Victor/Canandaigua

Interaction for children while moms visit over coffee.  We meet in someone's home every Monday morning.  Lots of fun for kids and moms too! Victor/Canandaigua area, call Leah Welch at 395-6515 or send email to leahliam@yahoo.com.

Rochester Gay Moms Group

This is a support group for Lesbian Mommies and WannaBe Mommies in Rochester, NY and its surrounding areas. This is a women-only group. Both singles and couples welcome. Topics include Parenting, Adoption, and Pregnancy. The online group has a resource section with weblinks on Sperm Banks Listings, Parenting, Legal Issues, Adoption and more!! We also plan occasional children-friendly outings for moms, partners, and children.

S.M.I.L.E.

S.M.I.L.E. stands for Single Moms Involved in Life with Each-other. We meet together to work through problems or difficulties, offer encouragement and advice, of simply have someone to talk to other than a kid! Come and join us for a time of discussion, learning, and building friendships as we learn how to develop qualities that aid us at becoming better mothers and women! Child care is provided for children through 6th grade. Although registration is not required is assists us in planning for child care. Please call or email Melissa with # of kids and their ages. Melissa Schoenheit, Phone: 585-338-7856, email: smilenbc@hotmail.com

Single Parents Association of Rochester

The Single Parents Association of Rochester (S.P.A.R.) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of Single Parents and their children in the Rochester, New York area. They offer monthly meetings, monthly group and family activities, low cost childcare during adult outings, and a monthly E-zine with tips, advice and other information that is useful to those in the single parent community.

Single Adoptive Parents (SAP)

We offer friendship and fun events for single parents and adopted children from around the world. Since 1988, SAP has provided a secure, supportive atmosphere that celebrates our children’s diversity and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that come with single parenting. For more information write info@singleadoptiveparents.com.

SOFIA: Supporting Our Families Interested in Adoption

SOFIA is a non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of adoptive families. Though initially established in 1973 as FIA, an internationally adoptive family support group, today SOFIA serves families formed through all types of adoption including agency, private, international, foster care, and kinship adoptions. Currently our group offers meetings, playdates, social events, educational workshops, and newsletters. Groups gather in both the Rochester and Buffalo areas. For more information, please contact us at sofiaadoption@yahoo.com or by calling Susan @ 585-338-1079. .

Parents Without Partners of Greater Rochester Chapter 683

Parents Without Partners, Inc. is the largest international, nonprofit Membership organization devoted to the welfare and interests of single parents and their children. It provides single parents and their children With an opportunity for enhancing personal growth, self-confidence and Sensitivity towards others by offering an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques. The Greater Rochester Chapter of Parents Without Partners serves single parents within the Greater Rochester Area including the counties of Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Livingston and Seneca. Click on the above link above to visit our website for more information about our organization and a list of upcoming events. Email for more information at pwproc683@yahoo.com.

Equal Parents for Children

Equal Parents for Children welcomes persons dealing with divorce and parenting time dilemmas. The free meetings are on the first Monday of each month at the Henrietta Super 8 Motel (1000 Lehigh Station Road) in the “Friendship Room” from 6:30-9:00pm and are open to the public. During the last 15 years, the group has established collaborative relationships with attorneys, mental health professionals, and other area programs that focus on family, with respect to parenting and related issues. Their goal is: "To promote meaningful relationships between children and both parents…regardless of the parent’s current marital relationship." For more information, email Christopher Merkl at jaceysdad95@aol.com.