NAMI Collaborates with Owl & Friends to Provide Support for Maternal Mental Health

The expression ‘bundle of joy’ is often used in reference to a newborn baby, but for many women, it is not joy that’s being experienced, instead, it’s perinatal or postpartum depression or another mood disorder. NAMI Northeast Region PA (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the newly opened business Owl & Friends in Wayne County are collaborating to offer parents the opportunity for education, support and community all in one place. 

NAMI Northeast Region has been offering its Momma Bears support group meetings at no cost to individuals affected by pre- and postnatal mental health struggles since February of 2022, and has recently teamed up with Owl & Friends so meeting attendees can be in a space created specifically for parents of children who are ages infant to 5 years old.  On Thursday, February 13, NAMI’s Momma Bears support group will begin meeting at Owl & Friends, 809 Main St. in Honesdale at noon and continue to meet there on the second Thursday of every month. 

NAMI’s Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “Helen Keller’s quote ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’ reflects the truth in our collaboration with Owl & Friends and what owner Ashley Springer has created in this space: ‘a community hub for growth and fun.’ NAMI wants anyone who is struggling with pre- or postpartum mental health to know that they are not alone, and mental health recovery through support and education is possible.” 

Support groups like these are vital given that in the U.S., 1 in 5 women experience a mental health disorder in the months before or after giving birth — and the vast majority of them never get care, according to an article published to the Association of American Medical Colleges website in December of 2023.

Owl & Friends grew out of founder Ashley Springer’s search for connection with other moms and activities for her three children who are 4 months, 4 and 6 years old in one convenient location. 

With her four-month-old child napping on her chest, Springer said, “I was spending time trying to find events on Facebook and driving all around to different places and I was using too much mental energy and time in the car.” 

In addition to helping parents save energy and time by having one central location for activities, drop-in playtime, and support group meetings, Springer said the ability to connect with other moms is crucial. 

“I found that I needed to get out to talk to people, to feel like a human being, not a milk machine. I was inspired to create a place that feels like home and isn’t just a class, it’s a community where you can talk to other people going through what you’re going through,” Springer said. 

In addition to the monthly Momma Bears support group meetings that are open to the public, NAMI will offer monthly workshops for Owl & Friends’ members beginning on February 27. 

NAMI Services Leader and Momma Bears facilitator Katie Spencer said, “To be located where moms and families gather for community and support for their growing families aligns with NAMI’s mission of helping and supporting individuals and families find hope, support, and education. We are grateful for this collaboration and are looking forward to helping pregnant and postpartum moms feel heard, validated, and supported.” 

Owl & Friends will have a soft opening for the public to visit starting February 15 with a grand opening party scheduled for March 1. Follow Owl & Friends PA on Facebook for upcoming events.

To learn about all of NAMI’s resources to help individuals living with mental illness and their families, visit NAMINEPA.org and follow NAMI NEPA on Facebook and Instagram.