In support of the Ponoka-based Stepping Stones, a Mother’s Day Tea is set to run on May 11 at Timber Coffee.
Ticket prices are $25, and they are available by email at mothersdayevent.358@gmail.com or by calling 403-704-6965.
There are three seatings — 10 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m.
All proceeds will go to Stepping Stones, a local organization dedicated to empowering young moms in the community.
“This tea is generously sponsored by Jane Wierzba, a local realtor in Ponoka,” said Katie Peters of Stepping Stones Ponoka.
“Jane really values community and is a very active participant in Ponoka. She loves to give back to her community and this program is something that is dear to her heart.
“The tea will be held at Timber Coffee Co., a charming coffee shop in our community. We want to create an atmosphere where mothers, daughters, friends, and co-workers can spend an hour and a half connecting over delectable goodies and tea.
“There will be door prizes drawn at each sitting. There will also be a short explanation of the Stepping Stones program.”
Peters said that Stepping Stones is a program out of Central Alberta Youth Unlimited.
“Its mission is hope and wholeness for all youth and young families. Stepping Stones has been running since 2011 in Ponoka,” said Peters.
“At Stepping Stones, you will find us building a community of peer support, creating opportunities to develop essential life skills, and offering one-on-one support to young moms.”
She added that Stepping Stones is all about helping families raise their children in a safe and supportive environment.
“What makes Stepping Stones unique from other ‘young parent programs’ is that we are fundamentally relational, something we believe to be critical in helping young moms make positive and long-lasting changes in their lives.
“Mentoring is at the heart of what we do. We strive to assist young moms in developing a balanced life: mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. Our holistic approach works to ensure moms in our program create stable foundations, not only for themselves but for their children as well.”
Peters said Stepping Stones offers a weekly program on Thursday mornings where they share a hot breakfast provided by a local church group each week.
“We then break into a teaching time with a simultaneous childcare program. Moms in the program can access our care closet, which is generously stocked with donations. They can access diapers, wipes, feminine products, baby equipment, etc.”
Peters said she has been working with Stepping Stones for 13 years.
“My role is lead coordinator of the program which involves programming, volunteer recruitment and care, one-on-one mentoring of young families, coordinating breakfasts, special events, and referrals to other resources.
“I really appreciate Central Alberta Youth Unlimited as our umbrella organization because they care for their staff and resource them well.”
Peters said the feedback they hear from moms in the Stepping Stones program is encouraging.
“Our program days are the highlight of their week. It has been life-changing for many of the participants. They finally feel a sense of belonging, and the community they are a part of is something they rely on in crisis and times of need.
“I love what I get to do. I look forward to connecting with the moms each week, and I’ve learned a great deal from them as well,” she added.
“We are also so very thankful for people like Jane Wierzba who have come personally to the program to witness what we do and who believe and advocate on our behalf. Our program is 100 per cent donor-funded, and without support like Jane’s, we could not do what we do.”