Red Deer Branch

Mamas for Mamas Red Deer began in May 2021. Our branch began online through our Facebook group – which continues to grow its membership daily. This is still a pivotal resource where mamas and caregivers can share, donate and trade items without monetary compensation. It is also a judgement-free space for mamas to support one another with advice and knowledge. 

In November 2021, we were generously donated an office space which has allowed us to grow even more. This incredible space allows us to continue to develop and offer programs for families and caregivers in need and resource navigation. It also offers a well-stocked, boutique-like Karma Market for our clients to shop (free of charge) for the items they need. We have a team of dedicated volunteers which includes resource coordinators and a registered social worker who works with families to refer to many of the incredible organizations in our community. Our goal is to work alongside these agencies to continue to fill the gaps in poverty-related issues as they arise. Thanks to our growing team of volunteers and the incredible support of generous donors and sponsors, Mamas for Mamas Red Deer continues to grow each day, and we can ensure that no child or caregiver is left behind.

Our Team

  • Catherine Wilson

    Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Cara Horsley

    Social Worker & Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Christa Duquette

    Karma Market Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Renee Spelt

    Karma Market Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Want to get involved?

Join our growing team and bring your community together!

Book an Appointment

Karma Market

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Karma Market and the limitless generosity of our community, we have had to make some changes to our operating procedures. The high volume of shoppers and donations has put an incredible strain on our space and our volunteer mama-power. We are implementing these changes to ensure every mama in need receives a hand up and not just a handout. Please understand that these changes are needed for the continued success of the Market and to meet the demand of mamas who need to access our services.

 

We thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Shoppers
Donations
Upon entering the Karma Market for your shop, please visit the sanitization station. We ask that you use the hand sanitizer, as well as any children accompanying you on your visit. Please note that only one person from your household can come to the store at a time. Gloves and masks will be provided for your comfort.

If children are accompanying you, please note our playroom and den are closed to the public and no child care will be provided. There will be designated seating for your children, or we ask you have your children with you at all times in the store.

We ask that you please cancel the appointment if anything of the below pertains to you:

  • anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, must self-isolate at home for a minimum of 10 days
  • anyone under the direction of the provincial health officer to self-isolate must follow those instructions
  • anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada, or who is a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms

Please do not bring reusable bags with you, we will provide you with a bag for your shop.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

We can only accept brand new / like new items for our Karma Market. Thank you for your understanding our need to set limitations that will ensure the continued success of the market without burning out our volunteers or duplicating services

We accept the following items for our Karma Market:

  • Brand new/ like-new clothing for all members of the family in condition.
  • Baby equipment (GENTLY used, clean exersaucers, swings, carriers, change tables, playpens, etc)
  • Brand New Personal hygiene items
  • Feminine Hygiene Products (tampons, pads, tooth care, etc)
  • Brand new toys and party supplies
  • Food (not expired and unopened. Fresh produce welcome)
  • Formula and baby food (not expired and unopened)
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Footwear 

To donate and drop off items please email us at reddeer@mamasformamas.org

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Mamas Ambassadors

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

Dear Red Deer Community,

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our Red Deer Branch on October 13, 2023.

Should you require any assistance, we encourage you to visit our Facebook Community Page or contact one of our Calgary Branch at Calgary@mamasformamas.org.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Warm regards,

The Red Deer Team
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