By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — “I love this community,” stated Hannah Bahney, Rochester. “I’ve lived here most of my life. I graduated from Rochester High School. I’m interested in giving back to this community whenever I can. One way I could do that was helping start the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group.”

Bahney became acquainted with the MOPS program while living in Michigan. “I didn’t know anyone there, and I was a new mom. Joining a MOPS group helped me meet people in the same stage of life. The support and friendships I made there is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

She started the MOPS program in August of this school year. “We meet monthly and have activities that happen between meeting times. Our program welcomes mothers with school-aged children and younger. And motherhood isn’t defined a certain way; we welcome foster moms, stepmothers, expecting moms, etc.” The organization meets at Grace United Methodist Church in Rochester.

“Our main goal is to be a community of support for moms. We often have guest speakers. Some of this year’s speakers include a mental health specialist, dietician and a panel from Woodlawn Hospital. But we also have fun meetings and will make crafts and just hang out. Plus, there’s always food!”

Another way Bahney has found to give back to the community is through her job as the marketing and communications coordinator of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. “Although our main office is in Rochester, we serve Fulton, Miami and Starke Counties.”

One thing Bahney especially enjoys about her job is how much the foundation impacts the community. “I get to help highlight all the good things happening here. My job includes marketing, newsletters, social media, the annual report and event planning. I also run our web page.”

Bahney is a support person for each of the county directors. “I have the privilege of promoting their counties and highlighting what they’re doing. Each director really cares about their community and is great to work with.”

She’s vice president of the Outlet Youth Center Board in Rochester. “I love that we are a safe place for kids to come after school. We have the STEM Club, Art Club and Chess Club, where students can explore different activities.”

Along with Outlet Director Patience Hisey, Bahney started the Preschool Book Club at the center. “We started with six kids. Now there are around 30 kids coming each week. They listen to a book, do a craft, have a snack, and it’s so much fun.”

Bahney and her family attend Grace United Methodist Church, where she helps teach Sunday School and is on the preschool board.

She and her husband Alex have three girls: Amelia, 6; Marlee, 5; and Elise, 2. When asked how she juggles family time and her community responsibilities, she remarked, “It really takes a village to raise a child. Our family is very supportive, and we have a wonderful baby sitter. The Community Foundation allows me flexible hours to pick up the girls at school. Alex coaches their sports teams. We have so many great people in our life who help us.”