Free night out in Vandergrift for moms aims to promote camaraderie and candid chats
Calling all moms seeking an evening of relaxation, fun and candid conversations among fellow mothers.
A new Mom’s Night Out event, co-organized by Vandergrift resident Chloe Kruse and Leechburg resident Destinee Chirafisi, is scheduled for July 15.
“Depending on the interest, this could become a regular occurrence and possibly lead to other similar events,” Kruse said.
Moms are invited to gather in the sanctuary at The Center on Franklin Ave., a former church-turned- educational center and venue in Vandergrift.
Kruse, 33, who is raising three young daughters, said she hopes to unite area moms for candid discussions.
Topics to be discussed may include parenting and female-owned business issues, work-life balance, relationships and personal hopes and wishes.
Refreshments will be provided, but moms are invited to bring the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverage of their choice.
The gathering is free and open to mothers of all ages, regardless of where they live.
Expectant mothers also are welcome.
“We would love to make this a monthly thing to empower women,” said Chirafisi, 34, a former parishioner at the church and owner of Namaste Lawns and Hardscapes of Leechburg. “I haven’t been to anything like this. I’m a newer business owner, and you don’t find other people’s experiences unless you meet with them in person.”
Kruse plans to book women speakers on a variety of topics and said plans include hosting a female-led business night out.
“I know so many amazing moms,” Kruse said. “I want to provide a safe space to hear everyone’s stories.”
“We want to encourage group discussion and women sharing their authentic experiences around their lives, because social media can be tailored,” said Chirafisi, who has three teenage sons.
First-time expectant mother Lydia Zacharias owns LydiaLeighs Salon in Vandergrift.
Zacharias described the upcoming girls evening as awesome and said providing a mom’s night out is a great way to meet new people.
“Moms often feel overwhelmed and feel as though they can’t do much once they have kids or feel guilty if they do hang out. Having this event will open moms to feel comfortable and meet new friends that have kids for play dates, just a mom’s night out,” Zacharias said. “I’m excited to see this event unfold.”
The point of the event is to give moms a chance to put themselves first, and that it’s a necessity.
The gathering is expected to last several hours, and no end time has been scheduled.
“We didn’t want anyone to feel rushed,” Chirafisi said.
Guests are encouraged to register on the Facebook page, Mom’s Night Out, but registration is not required.
The center’s sanctuary can accommodate more than 200 guests, organizers said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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