Meals For Moms Offers Support for Parents of Newborns

Shortly after moving into her new home on Parkside Avenue in the fall of 2008, Nicole Fabri decided to organize local moms to cook for neighbors with newborns. Her project, Meals for Moms, took off in February 2009, when a neighbor of hers gave birth.

The idea was something Fabri experienced first hand back when she gave birth to her son Marius three years ago in Michigan: a local moms group brought her family meals and offered emotional support and guidance. Fabri wanted to do the same thing in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, partly to get to know more local families, and partly for karmic reasons: to help moms through what can often be a very difficult time.

"I remember one time when I hadn't slept in weeks," Fabri told me. "I was still in my pajamas, wearing the top halfway over my head, and looked like an insane person, when this other mom showed up."  Despite the awkwardness, the other mom's help was a real boon. "She was really sweet, and it turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to create a bond between mothers."

Photos: (TOP) Karen Oh, shown with her newborn son, Cherokee (born 6/17), is one of the beneficiaries of Meals for Moms. (BELOW) Nicole Fabri, founder of Meals For Moms, and her son, Marius.

Since Meals For Moms' launch, the group has grown to 20 cooks and is now serving its eighth mom, Karen Oh.

"It has gotten so big that in the last month that we've reorganized to minimize stress on the cooks," said Fabri. She has divided the group into two smaller groups, and each team serves one mother. On average, each cook makes a meal about once every 3-4 months, and each new mom gets about 10 meals.

Meals For Moms is always looking for volunteers. If you'd like to get involved; or if you're pregnant, live in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and would appreciate the free service, please contact Nicole at nicole.fabri (at) clearenergybrokerage.com.

Comments

[Zachary Shepherd]

I think what Nicole is doing is absolutely wonderful. Our family has been blessed by this type of generosity and we have also tried to be generous and care for others in this way. Several years ago we actually created a free web tool that helps organize people to bring meals to those in need. It is called Food Tidings (www.foodtidings.com). We created it out of necessity for our own circle of friends and family, but it's been very helpful for moms groups, churches, and anyone trying to help on a small or larger scale. I hope this helps Nicole and all of those who are involved with Meals for Moms.

Sincerely,
Zach

[dawn summers]

What a FANTASTIC idea!

[Jeanne]

I was the very first new mom to receive meals after Nicole formed this wonderful group. We are still feeling the gratitude a year and a half later! To have even one or two nights a week you don't have to figure out dinner is a lifesaver and I got to meet other mothers and make new friends.

[Dynishal]

This is a lovely idea and it's great to see one of our newest neighbors. Welcome new baby and congratulations to the Oh family!

In fact, I think I'm a bit jealous. I'm thinking that a meal swap would be a great way to build community in our building and on our block. Anyone on Lincoln between Flatbush & Ocean (or 99 & 115 Ocean) reading and interested?

[Seth]

What a great thing!