Long-term community helping Erie's Mothering women break barriers,
achieve their goals,and transform their lives and their families
Mother Matters Mentoring Circles, nine-month commitment
The Boys and Girls Club of Erie, 1515 East Lake Road
A group mentoring opportunity, Mother Matters Mentoring Circles takes place in the heart of one of Erie’s most disinvested neighborhoods, where more than 200 diverse Mother Figures, mentors, kids, and volunteers connect for community, education, and support. Mentoring Circles feature free dinner, free child care, training from local experts, stories of lived experiences from Peer Advisors, and donations for Moms and kids. October 2025-June 2026 mentoring topics included budgeting, diverse friendships, and maternal health.
Peer Advisor Training Program, ongoing
Location varies by program and training cohort
The Peer Advisor Training Program is a core expression of Erie City Moms’ commitment to creating loving community and equipping Mother Figures to serve, lead, and support one another with dignity and integrity. This program invites Mother Figures with lived experiences in homelessness, domestic violence, mental and physical health complications, divorce, church hurt, grief and loss, and other relatable topics to step into leadership through intentional formation, relational responsibility, and hands-on service within Erie City Moms programming.
Moms Night Out, Mingle with Moms, Mom&Me MeetUp, since 2016
Locations vary, peer planned
Launched in 2016, Moms Night Out (MNO) is where Erie City Moms got its start–and it’s how thousands of Moms new to Erie City Moms programming got theirs! These low-barrier communities are open to Mother Figures and kids from all walks of life and offer a pipeline for Erie City Moms’ mentoring opportunities, connecting families to community, peer leaders, mentors, Mother Matters Mentoring Circles, and the Good Friend program. Follow us on Facebook and check our website for times, dates, and locations across Erie County.
The Good Friend Initiative, ongoing
Location determined by the needs of participating Mother Figures/mentees
The Good Friend Initiative brings to participating Moms a sphere of supportive, inspiring, and influential professionals, allies, and mentors to help them achieve their aspirations--anything from learning to balance a budget to learning to drive and buy a car. Everyone in the group is referred to as a “Good Friend,” eliminating hierarchical titles. Mother Figures sign up for a Good Friend at Mother Matters Mentoring Circles and are paired by our Founder/Director Amanda Burlingham and Good Friend Program Coordinator Jane Johnson, according to mentee needs, mentor strengths, and lived experiences. Mentors are encouraged to share their experiences, resources, and social capital in support of mentees. Ongoing training is provided to mentors in topics related to trauma-informed care, building safe spaces and healthy relationships, Social Determinants of Health, Mental Health First Aid, and urban missions.
H.O.M.E. Program, Home Ownership for Mothers in Erie, two-year commitment
226 East 10th Street, Erie—Pilot Program
To truly combat housing instability and help women build knowledge and wealth for their children, Erie City Moms is committed to bolstering any qualifying Mother Figure who aspires to homeownership. In the fall of 2023, we purchased and began renovating a blighted home–the launch of our homeowner pipeline program. In the 3- and 4-bedroom apartments, Mother Figures and their families live short-term, paying moderate rent while building their credit and savings accounts and being mentored through financial literacy and common challenges to homeownership. Tenants receive help in their permanent housing search and access to all first-time homebuyer benefits. Participants must be active members of Erie City Moms. We are scheduled to receive final blight remediation documents from the City of Erie in early spring 2026. Multiple member Moms and their families are currently in the preparation and interview process for the program.
Women at the Well Bible Study, summers
Location varies
Open to any Mother Figure with questions about prayer, church, the Bible, or anything related to Christian faith. Created and led by longtime missionary and founding Erie City Moms board member Diane Kuvshinikov, Women at the Well is a time of growth and refreshment for every Mom. It meets twice monthly, June-August, and includes materials, snacks, and child care for free. We have hosted this event at mentors’ homes, DreamBuilders, and in 2025 and 2026, at Table of Grace Church.