This fall, Mothers on the Move (MOM), a Penn State College of Medicine–led community initiative, will launch its first free pilot program for first-time mothers and their partners in Central Pennsylvania. Founded by Penn State faculty member and SSRI affiliate Vida Abedi, PhD, the program uses partnered dance, social connection and community support to help promote maternal well-being and strengthen families. The pilot grew out of local community dance events that raised more than $3,000 and will bring participating families together for weekly dance lessons, social support and opportunities to build connections during what can be an isolating time for new parents.
On The Spark, we’ll talk with Abedi and members of the community planning team about the idea behind Mothers on the Move, the importance of creating a supportive community for new parents and how local volunteers and families helped make the pilot possible. The initiative is now looking to build awareness, recruit eligible families and secure continued community support so the program can eventually reach more families across Central Pennsylvania. Learn more through the Penn State fundraising page or the Mothers on the Move Facebook page.