A UNIQUE NETWORK OF WOMEN
A message from our Executive Director Johanna Sjöholm
The Neighbourhood Mothers trained by
Nicehearts ry form a unique network of women:
the members are those who have attended and
completed the training to be a Neighbourhood
Mother. This network is also part of the larger
International Neighbourhood Mothers Network
that includes both the Danish and German
Neighbourhood Mothers.
While developing, forming and expanding
activities, it is the workers, trainees and
volunteers, finance partners and support
partners who are involved. What is key is that
the members of this network of Neighbourhood
Mothers have vast amounts of skills, knowledge
and know-how that is shared with others. Such
a unique network has huge potential to effect
positive changes in women, families, groups,
communities, neighborhood areas, cities and
thereby in whole of Finland and Europe.
In order to accomplish our goals, it important
that each member of the Neighbourhood
Mothers’ network understands the role of a
Neighbourhood Mother and works towards
achieving this goal together with others. Even
though the main goal of our activities is not
toward employment,
most Neighbourhood Mothers have been
successful in getting jobs or study
opportunities.
Our activities empower women and their dreams
come true, one step at a time.
In fact, Neighbourhood Mothers play a very
important role in our society because they meet
and function where women are and work to
promote the welfare of women and families.
Neighbourhood Mothers build trust and thereby
also help to increase each woman’s skills and
knowledge about social participation. If it
weren’t for our Neighbourhood Mothers, many
would have fallen through the cracks. Thus,
Neighbourhood Mothers preempt societal
isolation and alienation, and help people
become a part of the community. This is also
because Neighbourhood Mothers believe in
meaningful actions: activities that provide much
needed support, including activities that help
establish bonds through free-time activities.
Neighbourhood Mothers thus act as a bridge
between women and families, associations and
the public administration.
Indeed, the success of each Neighbourhood
Mother is not just individual, but also collective!