GETTING READY TO TAKE A BREAK — Executive directors Rebekah Cohen Morris and Bobbyjon Bauman of the Aim Women’s and Sycamore Youth centers, respectively, planned for the upcoming weekly program Mom’s Lunch Break, a free weekly lunch group for mothers throughout the community. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Once in a while, mothers need to stop and take a break from their hectic lives. They need to take a few moments and simply relax. Between having a job and doing chores, running errands, driving carpools, attending sporting events and overseeing playdates, the career of being a mom isn’t always an easy one.

Among those who understand all that a mother goes through in today’s society are those at the Aim Women’s and Sycamore Youth centers. That is why the local nonprofit organizations have decided to try to help moms throughout the area, giving them that needed break that they deserve.

Rebekah Cohen Morris serves as the executive director of the Aim Women’s Center. She announced that she “is thrilled” to be launching the Mom’s Lunch Break program, a free weekly lunch group for mothers throughout the community to begin Jan. 16. The activity is being hosted in partnership with the Sycamore Youth Center and its executive director, Bobbyjon Bauman.

“This exciting new program will be held every Thursday at the Sycamore center,” Cohen Morris stated. “We will provide moms with a welcoming space to connect, relax and access support, while introducing them to the opportunities available for their children and families through Sycamore’s programs.”

“Motherhood comes with unique joys and challenges, and the Aim Women’s Center recognizes the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space where moms can share their experiences, find encouragement and feel supported,” she continued.

“The Mom’s Lunch Break group is open to all moms in the community, providing a much-needed pause in their busy schedules to enjoy meaningful connections over lunch.”

“Our goal is to create a space where moms can take a break from their day, connect with others and find the support they need,” Cohen Morris added. “Whether you’re a new mom, a mom-to-be or have been parenting for years, you are welcome to join us.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the fabric of the Steubenville community by supporting families.

“I am very excited about this collaboration and am thrilled to be working with Rebekah and the team at Aim on promoting this life-changing new program,” Bauman commented. As mothers connect through this program, they will have a chance to learn more about the enrichment programs and resources offered at Sycamore for their children, including after-school activities, educational programs and community events.

“By collaborating with the Sycamore center, we are not only providing a space for moms to build friendships and find support, but are helping to connect their children with the incredible resources and activities offered right here in their own community,” Cohen Morris said. “Our vision is to help moms thrive, while building stronger families and a stronger community.”

The lunch break will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Sycamore center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. The program is free to attend. However the partnership with Sycamore goes beyond providing a meeting space, Cohen Morris explained.

“It is an intentional effort to foster deeper engagement with families in the area, encouraging moms to explore programs for their children while creating a supportive network for themselves,” she said. “This collaboration embodies the belief that stronger families lead to stronger communities.”

“We’re excited to work with the Aim Women’s Center to connect more moms and their families to the Sycamore center,” Bauman commented. “We believe this partnership will inspire moms to get involved and, in turn, help their children thrive through the many opportunities available here. Together, we’re investing in the next generation and building a stronger future for Steubenville.”

The lunch break will not only benefit the mothers of Sycamore’s current students, but it will provide an opportunity for other children to take part in the center’s after-school program who may not be currently involved, Bauman noted.

“We are excited to provide life skills training after school, with classes such as cooking, sewing, carpentry, entrepreneurship, cosmotology and much more — all free of charge for our area students,” Bauman said of Sycamore. “This collaboration with Aim will strengthen the skill set of mothers in terms of effectively parenting their children, and we at Sycamore will be working with the children on becoming better people through our life-changing programs.”

“We also provide a free, shelf-stable meal for every child in attendance after school,” he concluded.

Students can sign up for classes online at sycamorecenter.com/classes. For information or to RSVP, call (740) 346-6705 or e-mail rcohenmorris@aimwomenscenter.