Jericho, NY, October 5, 2007 � The National Association of Mothers� Centers (NAMC), located in the historic Elias Hicks house, opened its office to the public on Tuesday, October 2nd. People who walked through their doors from 11 AM to 8 PM included Assemblymen Charles Lavine and Rob Walker, both of whom presented the NAMC with citations recognizing the importance of the organizations� work and congratulating the staff and volunteers on its accomplishments.

Also, visiting included Mothers� Center members, alumni and business people interested in learning more about the work of the Mothers� Centers. Linda Juergens, Executive Director of the NAMC, shared with visitors about the work of the organization, �With the increased pressure that families face today, we know for certain that the support, connection and information the NAMC has provided to thousands of mothers and families for over 3 decades is more important than ever.�

Several Mothers� Center members shared their personal stories during brief presentations given each hour. Sandy Spires from the Athens, GA Mothers Center shared, �If I had to sum up my experience with the mother�s center, it would be �lifesaving�.� When Sandy gave birth, she did not know any other mothers and felt isolated from people who could understand what she was going through. The mothers� center provided her with the validation, support, friendship and confidence she needed.

Linda Boyce � center liaison for Unity Circle Mothers Center of Hempstead, first had interaction with the NAMC over 10 years ago when she and her 12 year old daughter Angeleta attended a Mother/Daughter retreat with other Mother Center members. Linda said �Being involved in the Mothers� Center allowed her to network with other moms who are progressive, political and empowered to move mothers� agenda personally and in a larger arena.�

Don Levine came with his wife, Bonnie � a Mothers� Center alum. Don shared how much he benefited from knowing that Bonnie was getting much needed relief through her connections with the Mothers� Center since they went through a tough time with a colicky baby. As a �Dad alike� who got relief from the crying when he went off to work, but came home to a stressed out wife, he was able to experience more peace with his wife because she had women who could give her suggestions, help and reassurance that everything would be okay.

The NAMC is the leading organization that recognizes the challenges, realities and importance of mothering, offering programs that educate and support mothers in local centers, in libraries and in the workplace, as well as doing advocacy in the fields of postpartum depression, early care and education, work/life balance and the economic impact of being a care giver.

For more information on the work that the NAMC is doing and how you can help visit our website at www.motherscenter.org or contact Viviana Russell Phone: (516) 939-6667 X107, Email: [email protected]