'Monday 4 Mamas' group provides support for grieving mothers

The Fort Wayne-based group offers a safe space for moms to connect and heal after losing a child.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:11am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a group of women gathered in a circle, their faces obscured by soft, warm pools of light and color, conveying a sense of intimacy and shared experience.A supportive community of grieving mothers finds solace and healing in their shared experiences.Fort Wayne Today

The 'Monday 4 Mamas' group in Fort Wayne, Indiana provides a supportive community for mothers grieving the loss of a child. Founded almost 2 years ago, the group meets regularly to share their experiences, offer comfort, and find ways to honor their children's memories. Members say the group has become a vital source of understanding and friendship during their darkest times.

Why it matters

Losing a child is an incredibly difficult and isolating experience. The 'Monday 4 Mamas' group fills an important need by creating a judgment-free space for grieving mothers to connect, process their grief, and find strength in shared experiences. In a city like Fort Wayne, where mental health resources can be limited, this group provides an invaluable community-based support system.

The details

The 'Monday 4 Mamas' group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in a building next to the Redwood Inn in Fort Wayne. During the gatherings, the mothers gather in a circle to check in, share their weeks, and support one another through laughter, tears, and shared meals. The group also does activities like scrapbooking and outings, and maintains a community food pantry as a way to honor their children's memories.

  • The 'Monday 4 Mamas' group was founded almost 2 years ago.
  • The group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

The players

Andrea Navarro

A member of the 'Monday 4 Mamas' group who lost her son Paul 25 years ago in a crash.

Marcy Leamon

A relatively new member of the 'Monday 4 Mamas' group who lost her son 20 years ago.

Jen Cook

A member of the 'Monday 4 Mamas' group who says the group's community food pantry is a way to keep their children's memories alive.

Jenny Hernandez

A member of the 'Monday 4 Mamas' group who says the group has turned into deep friendships where they 'do life together.'

Melissa Earls

The founder of the 'Monday 4 Mamas' group, which welcomes all mothers grieving the loss of a child.

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What they’re saying

“This is an amazing group. We're just moms and we're here for each other.”

— Andrea Navarro, Group Member

“Watching these mothers that are so fresh in their grief when they first came to be so broken and tears didn't stop, maybe they didn't even speak. To look at them now, it's amazing how all of these mothers have helped one another to be able to journey it.”

— Andrea Navarro, Group Member

“I am so happy to have these ladies. Because if I would need them, I am sure if I had to call them in the middle of the night, they would pick up their phone.”

— Marcy Leamon, Group Member

“This is in honor of our kids. To help the community and it's a way of keeping their memory alive with the community.”

— Jen Cook, Group Member

“When we come here, we always know they understand what's going on. Sometimes other people, if you haven't gone through it, you just don't quite understand. It started out as a group to come and heal, but it has turned into friendships, we do life together.”

— Jenny Hernandez, Group Member

The takeaway

The 'Monday 4 Mamas' group demonstrates the power of community-based support for mothers navigating the unimaginable grief of losing a child. By creating a safe, judgment-free space for shared experiences and healing, the group has become a vital lifeline for its members, offering comfort, understanding, and the strength to move forward.