Mom’s Spa Night creates a space for mothers of children with disabilities on May 19

MANSFIELD — A night of pampering in Richland County offers more than chair massages and polished nails — it gives mothers raising children with disabilities a chance to relax, connect and feel supported.

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (DSANEO) continues to expand its reach locally through connection, care and community.

DSANEO supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Northeast Ohio. The Richland County group has now opened its doors to any mom raising a child with a disability.

The Richland County Group for DSANEO will host its Mom’s Spa Night on May 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Kindred Kove at 1710 Lorkay Dr.

A night built on connection and care

DSANEO Richland County Group volunteer Brenda Foley said events like this are important because they provide much-needed respite and connection for moms caring for children with disabilities.

It’s a chance to relax and build a supportive network.

Brenda Foley, DSANEO Richland county group volunteer

Foley and Erin Spackey launched the local group to create that network, and it now continues to grow through consistent meetups and expanding events.

“Erin and I started this group after our girls were born with Down syndrome because we needed the support and there were no local groups yet,” she said. “It’s a chance to relax and build a supportive network.”

The moms meet monthly for casual social gatherings at restaurants, where DSANEO provides appetizers and space for honest conversation, laughter and shared experience.

The dads’ group meets quarterly and welcomes any father of a child with a disability. Families can follow updates through the “Pathway For POPS” Facebook page.

Spa night seeks volunteers, donations and community support

The evening centered on self-care, is still seeking community support to bring it to life.

Foley said this is the group’s first Mom’s Spa Night but the hopes are it becomes an annual event.

She added there are still openings for one or two massage therapists for chair massages, volunteers to provide simple manicures and donations of self-care products or gift certificates for door prizes.

A professional photographer is also being sought to donate time, though she said anyone who can capture memorable moments well is welcome.

Additional needs include decorations, goodie-bag items and volunteers for setup and cleanup.

Interested volunteers or donors can contact Foley at mrs.blfoley@gmail.com. 

Organizers also encourage donations from their Amazon Wish List and invite community members to tag or share the event with others who may want to participate or volunteer.

Foley noted a wide network of donors who have already stepped forward to help make the event possible.