I like to socialize on my terms—when I have the energy and around people who I feel get me. In other words, I am an introvert.
I have my skin and lash studio downtown and have been seeing some new faces, some are even new to town. I love hearing about their adventures from other states and cities. Some have expressed their feelings of loneliness and wanting to get to know other people locally. I remember feeling that same way coming out of the COVID lockdowns of 2020, and know they probably aren’t the only ones feeling like that.
I directed them to a few groups that I am a member of on Facebook. Facebook groups have been great at connecting like-minded people and those local to one another. I am a member of a few local Facebook groups but am fully aware of how unique we all are, so I reached out to some of my Facebook friends and mommas for their input on groups.
I found that most responses were that they found it helpful to be a part of local groups, neighborhood groups, groups specific to an illness (mental health or autoimmune) or to significant life events (such as the loss of a sibling), groups supporting current interests (like chickens), life changes (change in eating), hobbies (cooking), jobs, or current stages in life (non-motherhood, motherhood or entrepreneurial).
Someone commented that “part of a group being beneficial is it being a good fit for you and your needs. Doesn’t matter if it’s the best group ever created if it’s not a good fit for you.” I definitely agree.
I compiled the groups that were recommended to me in hopes that you will find them beneficial as well.
Mom Groups
EIM offers a supportive community that connects moms to other moms, events, activities, and businesses in our area. They are local moms blogging and supporting the community with various activities throughout the week. I enjoy East Idaho Moms because of the book club, mom’s night out events, and mama mingles. It’s a great place to meet local moms. They have a great Collective that answers all questions related to motherhood, and they share funny memes.
This is the first group I joined once becoming a mom. A fellow member of the group recommends this group “because I can get advice, recommendations, and support from people in the same area as me.”
I enjoy Idaho Falls Moms because they are local moms and can answer my questions when I am looking for a dance class for my 3-year-old and are supportive when I need it. It really feels like a community. This group is where I became aware of other mom groups and some book clubs.
It Takes a Village in Idaho Falls
ITAV offers activities such as park days, playgroups, field trips, crafts, and holiday parties. They meet at public locations weekly, with or without our children, in order to build a support network for mothers in the community.
This group is for moms who are interested in learning more about or giving advice about anything regarding living more naturally. Some topics of interest: breastfeeding, cloth diapering, natural beauty remedies, natural cleaning products, attachment parenting/positive parenting, natural wellness remedies, ect.
Idaho Falls Breastfeeding Support Group
I joined this group when I was trying to breastfeed my daughter and it was helpful to have a group of mommas giving breastfeeding advice.
Other Group Suggestions
A Facebook group to help the Hispanic community in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas to strengthen connection ties of help for those who seek or provide help to the community.
Life In Idaho Falls! (SE Idaho)
A community group for discussion of events, suggestions, community happenings, and much more.
An educational group staffed by volunteer Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians whose goal is to empower and educate both parents and caregivers to learn to select the right car seat for their child, and install and use their children’s car seats safely. Through that education, they hope to be an active participant in decreasing injury and death to children in car crashes.
This is a group specifically for people with Celiac Disease to share tips, ask questions, and exchange recommendations about all things travel-related.
Sibling Grief Support Group- Loss of Brother or Sister
This group is for anyone who has lost a sibling.
A good place for venting and finding other childfree friends. A friend shared this about the group, “it’s just nice to see like-minded women doing things they love and that they’re able to because they either made the decision not to have kids or they can’t.”
This group is for Moda members that are experienced entrepreneurs, small business owners, and high-level executives to get support in all areas of life as well as business.
Buy Nothing Rexburg, ID and Buy Nothing Rigby, ID
They offer members a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide network of micro-local gift economies in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people who are real-life neighbors.
Betty’s Harvest Right Freeze Dryers Group
A group dedicated to helping others have a positive freeze-drying experience at home.
