Until recently, Maplewood resident Lucila McElroy, creator of MOMentum, a support group for moms, wasn't very familiar with Montclair. "A woman approached me at one of my workshops and she said 'we have to talk'," she said. That woman turned out to be Alejandra Denda Hampton, a Montclair resident of three years. "Alejandra, who reigns from Argentina, told me she had formed a group of international moms in Montclair and believed there was a huge need for this type of conversation amongst the moms in the community," McElroy said.
Hampton and McElroy, also an Argentinean native, quickly became fast friends. As McElroy learned more about the Montclair community, she realized it was the perfect setting for a MOMentum group. The Montclair group, which meets at the YMCA, is a very diverse crowd. "Some are employed, some are wanting to become employed, and some stay at home," said McElroy.
One interesting note is that the group is extremely international, with moms originally from Argentina, Israel, and Italy, as well as a mom who lived and worked in Germany. Despite all the different backgrounds, all the moms share commonalities. "I find it fascinating that the stories they tell of moms in these other parts of the world are similar in some respect to ours. Our constant struggle to find balance, the beauty and the curse of having choices, moving away from family and not having a lot of support, struggling as moms and struggling as professionals," McElroy revealed.
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Hampton, 37, and a mother of two, was key in getting the group established in town. In order to first gauge interest, she organized a few introductory sessions at her home to expose Montclair women to the MOMentum experience. In the meantime, she also searched for a location to host gatherings. After looking for quite some time, they were offered the opportunity to host their monthly meetings at the Family YMCA. "We thought the philosophy from both institutions is very complementary. One of MOMentum's key values is to give back to the community," said Hampton.
Despite Hampton's constant juggle as she balances her busy schedule with a full-time job in the children's entertainment business, and her role as wife and mother, she still schedules time for this group. "It is a very supportive environment. I believe meetings are pretty 'magical' because of the level of connection, depth, and inspiration among all the members," she said. McElroy is quick to chime in. "Our focus has been on giving our members the tools to living a life that is fulfilling and satisfying. We are engaging in activities that provide them energy rather than deplete it. We do this by practicing skills like listening and speaking with curiosity and compassion. We give ourselves the time to stop, think, and question," she said.
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Montclair provides the ideal setting for such an organization. "I was drawn to this area because I was looking for more space, closer to nature while maintaining the diversity and the city feel. We now love Montclair. I think it is really diverse and interesting in terms of culture, race, and international origins," said Hampton.
Lisane Basquiat, who leads not only the Montclair group but also Transition Haven, a wellness organization, is just as passionate. "I am totally committed to providing women a platform from which to express themselves and work through the roles that we have," said Basquiat.
"I would recommend MOMentum to all women who are moms," firmly declared Hampton.
If you would like to get a taste of MOMentum or simply need some time away, please join McElroy and Basquait on a one-day retreat titled Unleash Your Inner Child!
When's the last time you went exploring? At this all-day retreat on a 200-acre New Jersey estate, take the time to laugh, live fully, and love life. Lisane Basquiat, a certified life and leadership coach, and Stanley Louis, a personal fitness and wellness expert, will lead you on a fun, energizing exploration while you relax, learn, and connect with nature. Sounds amazing, right?
WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Sandyston, NJ (carpools available) RSVP here. Space is limited! Cost: $150/person fee includes camp entrance fee, a facilitated day, lunch, and snacks, and a one-month MOMentum membership.
Do you have ideas for upcoming columns, know an athletic enthusiast, want to ask a question or can put me in touch with people who are inspiring or creating a healthier Monclair? E-mail Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness and wellness expert with years of experience. She has spent nearly a decade on the business side of publishing as a Beauty Director at magazines such as Mademoiselle and Seventeen.
