Being a PEPS leader gives me the chance to wake up and shake off the day to day, and renew my commitment to myself and my kids to be the best mom I can.

- Jesseca Brand, PEPS volunteer

I volunteer for PEPS for a very selfish reason— it makes me a better mom. PEPS for me as a participant was a very meaningful experience and generally a reason to take a shower once a week. I decided to volunteer as a facilitator because I knew I had more to learn and experience.

I started my first meeting with lots of nerves but by the time we were finished these folks had become my friends and community. The groups look to you for support and encouragement, not to know all the answers! Being a parent is tough stuff and we can get into a rhythm and forget to look up. Forget about stop and enjoy — we have preschool, music class, get your shoes on so we can go.

Participating as a facilitator in PEPS brings me back to that moment when I brought my first one home from the hospital. When I thought I might not get any more sleep but I really didn't care. When I was so excited to see this person wake up and join the world. Participating as a PEPS leader gives me the chance to wake up and shake off the day to day, and renew my commitment to myself and my kids to be the best mom I can.