Nanaimo Branch

Mamas for Mamas Nanaimo was created four years ago by a mama with a tremendous heart and a will to help other mamas in the city.  Starting as a community on Facebook has given moms the opportunity to support one another by exchanging and donating items to those who need it.  Money is not exchanged in our community, but replaced with kindness, trades, and compassion.  Our Facebook community offers fellow moms emotional support, and also lends a handout when needed.
 
We have continued to grow as the needs of the community continue to expand and change.  Our mandate is to help mamas access the resources that are already available in the city, and fill the gaps in our community with programs that are not already offered.  We love to partner with other non-profits to provide a seamless experience for families that require a hand-up.  Along with access to a social worker, we continue to develop programs as needed.
 
We are currently operating out of storage units in Nanaimo & Parksville, and hope to have a physical location in the future to better assist our network of mamas.  We have numerous donation drop-off locations in Nanaimo & Parksville.  We are nothing without the support of our volunteers and donors and have immense appreciation.

Want to get involved?

Join our growing team and bring your community together!

Book an Appointment

Karma Market

Our Karma Market is going through some changes to better support our community by reaching more clients in need. We’ve noticed an increased demand, and we’re determined to make a positive impact.

To request Karma Market items, simply complete the “Seeking Support” application. Once we receive it, our dedicated team will promptly process your request. If you submit your application by Sunday, 5 pm, you can expect your items to be ready for pick up as early as Tuesday (between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm) and Thursday (between 5 – 7 pm) of the following week.

Don’t forget to schedule a pick-up appointment at https://www.picktime.com/mamasformamas for your convenience.

For us to keep in touch regarding any updates or shortages, please provide us with your current and accurate contact information. Even if you’re not currently a Karma Market client, you can still fill out the application to join our program. Upon pick up, we’ll kindly confirm who you are to ensure items are going to the correct person.

Our Tiny Bundles program allows you to book two pick-ups each month, and for hygiene items, you can schedule one pick-up per month.

Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community, and we look forward to continuing this journey of support together.

Join our psycho-educational groups

Groups

Anxiety and Depression Group
Whole Mama
Young Mama
Grief and Loss Support Group
Well-Rounded Parent

January 10, 2023

This 6-week workshop focuses on understanding depression and anxiety as well as gaining the tools to assist in combating the symptoms. Each session is built on the next as you continue to learn strategies and techniques to help you overcome depression and anxiety. Every session will help you take steps towards the life that you desire and are so deserving of.

In the 6 weeks together, you will gain a deeper understanding of your anxiety and feelings of depression, learn tools to challenge negative thinking patterns, become more confident in communicating and setting healthy boundaries, while practicing self-care and meeting your basic human needs.

The 6-week program consists of

  • Understanding Depression and Anxiety
  • Self-care and Mindfulness
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Helpful Thinking
  • Communication & Boundaries
  • Nutrition and Exercise
  • Goal Setting

If you are struggling with depression and/or anxiety, please join this workshop and gain the support a group offers.

Facilitated by a Registered Counsellor.

November 7, 2023

This program is designed for women to become more centered in who they are, and to take steps towards the successes they desire. The workshop is 6 weeks in length, covering the following topics:

  • Goal Setting
  • Self-Care and Mindfulness
  • 4 Pillars of Health
  • Financial Literacy
  • Communications/Relationships
  • Values and Strengths
  • Inner Beauty (optional – extracurricular on own    time)

Each topic is focused on gaining a deeper understanding and acceptance of one’s self.

Facilitated by a Registered Professional Counsellor.

November 1, 2022 | September 12, 2023

This well-informed 7-week workshop is designed to comfort, instruct and celebrate with the youngest members of the mama world. Navigating motherhood as a new and young mama can seem daunting and overwhelming.

In this program years of experience are brought together to take the fear and the unknown out of becoming or being a new young mama.

We are proud to offer the transferring of knowledge from mamas with experience and experts in the world of motherhood to young mothers that embark on this journey with us. You will benefit from the support, guidance and mentoring that this program offers.

The topics covered include:

  • Introduction – Mind Mapping – (processing ideas, fears, strengths, weaknesses)
  • Postpartum Depression / Baby blues
  • Navigating Parenting
  • Self-care and Mom Balance
  • Sleep – baby and mom
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition – (healthy eating, easy meal planning, breastfeeding, bottle feeding)
  • Financial/Budgeting
  • Identity / Goals
  • Relationships and Sex after baby (body image)

Motherhood is a gift, not meant to be done alone. Let’s talk about it, all the fears, concerns, overwhelming thoughts and the joy and delight. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child; let this program be a part of your village.

February 28, 2023

“Grief is an emotional experience and no matter how hard society tries to act as if sad feelings don’t exist – THEY DO”      -author unknown

At Mamas for Mamas we offer a program for Grief and Loss. We recognize that Grief is a difficult and lonely journey. Our goal is to offer support and companionship to mamas that have experienced loss. Loss comes in many shapes and forms, but the one thing it has in common, is pain; whether it is lost through miscarriage, stillborn, loss of infant or child, a life partner, friend, parent or sibling. No one should have to grieve this kind of pain alone.

Through this 6 week Grief and Loss Support Group, we offer support as you gain an understanding of the stages of grief and coping techniques on your grief journey. The group was designed with the purpose of creating a safe and intimate space for each individual to begin their healing journey.  This is a safe place where we provide support for each other and provide the opportunity to experience new ways to understand your own grieving process and how to move forward in a new normal that you did not ask for.

This group is facilitated by a registered counselor.

August 13, 2023

 

Are you looking to have a successful start to fall with your littles? We are taking a new spin on looking at parenting and how you can become a well-Rounded Parent and feel good about yourself. This group is open to anyone looking to understand themselves and their reactions to their children. We are taking an in-depth look at the central nervous system and how this impacts the world around you, the impact this has on your children and relationships. As well as how meeting your basic human needs can assist in regulating your stress responses. Join us online to explore trauma, wellness, self concepts, morals and more and how you can implement these techniques into your everyday life to become the Well-Rounded parent.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hello, We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused. We regret to inform you that our support applications are currently closed and not available at this time. We understand the frustration this may cause, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may experience. We genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding during this temporary closure of our support applications. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email us at nanaimo@mamasformamas.org. Our dedicated team will be more than happy to answer any questions. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. Kind regards, The Mamas Team
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