Jeannie Austin and Moms Helping Moms: A couple of moms show what it means to just show up
Jeannie Austin after receiving an award for citizen of the year from the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors for her work in Moms Helping Moms. The Facebook group has grown to over 3,000 members since starting in 2018.
FILE PHOTO
Jeannie Austin with Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors president Tami Canfield at the banquet where she was awarded citizen of the year. Austin said she wants the group to eventually become a nonprofit organization.
Stephanie Blauert takes a selfie with Jeannie Austin and fellow group members of Moms Helping Moms. Austin and Blauert met during a college course and have remained friends ever since, eventually starting the Facebook group together.
COURTESY PHOTO/JEANNIE AUSTIN
Members of the Moms Helping Moms group gather to take a photo with Santa. Austin said they do a meet-and-greet with Santa every year during the holiday season.
Jeannie Austin and members of Moms Helping Moms holding their annual toy drive with appearances from Santa and the Grinch. Austin said the group gathers donations for the drive throughout the year.
A mountain of toy donations in Jeannie Austin’s living room as she prepared for the toy drive. Austin said her house often looks like the North Pole during the holiday season.
MOSES LAKE — For Jeannie Austin, just showing up is the biggest way to impact your community. Austin is co-founder with Stephanie Blauert of a Facebook group with in-person impacts called Moms Helping Moms, where parents can trade with others and help those in need.
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