Becoming a parent is part of the human experience for many people, and in that way, parenthood is unifying, Sarah Starbuck described. But at the same time, it can feel lonely, especially for parents who stay home to raise their kids.
Moms unite
For more information about registering with MOMS Club of Lompoc, visit momscluboflompoc.weebly.com. Those interested can join the MOMS Club of Lompoc Prospective Members Facebook group or follow the club on Instagram @momscluboflompoc.
“When you work in the home, your only coworkers generally are your children, if you want to make that analogy,” Starbuck said. “So, it can be kind of isolating.”
Women in Starbuck’s life recommended the MOMS Club of Lompoc. It’s the local chapter of an international organization, which stands for Moms Offering Moms Support. The club is geared toward activities for moms who stay at home, but it’s also open to those who work part-time or have businesses at home. Starbuck views the organization as a form of professional development because all the members do the same kind of work.
After deciding to become a stay-at-home parent, Starbuck started seeing the club members out and about in town, doing the same activities with their kids that she did with hers. She thought it’d be nice to spend time with others and make more in-person connections during a time when a lot of relationships develop online.
“When you have children, the in-person connection is of so much value because children don’t understand the technology. They’re still learning socialization,” Starbuck said.
It’s her fourth year in the club, and she currently serves as the administrative vice president. One of Starbuck’s responsibilities is helping coordinate service projects.
As a nonprofit, one of the club’s goals is to support mothers and children in the Lompoc community. Every year during the holiday season members usually donate blankets to kids in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace and sing carols at an assisted living facility.
Around 80 members are involved with the chapter, Starbuck estimated. Dues are $30 per year, making it a more affordable option than some other kids’ activities. Club meetings typically morph into playdates once business is taken care of.
“It’s nice to have something that’s play-based—and it’s more informal and people can make organic connections—that’s designed for the kids to play and the moms to connect,” Starbuck said.
Throughout the year, the club plans field trips, family events, kids’ activities, holiday parties, and educational workshops for moms. For example, members have learned more about practical skills like babywearing, changing a tire, and doing hairstyles on their kids.
Some of the most popular events are moms’ nights out, when members get to enjoy time without the kids. About once a month they plan events like movie or paint nights, trivia games, and wine tasting.
Starbuck also appreciates the club’s events that are focused on diversity, like the recent celebration of Día de los Muertos. Members who come from different cultures get the opportunity to share about their backgrounds. The diversity also exposes members to different parenting styles.
“You have people coming in from different cultures, different parenting styles and philosophies, and it can really broaden your perspective,” Starbuck said. “I would say the greatest skill or skillset that it’s brought to me is flexibility and different ways of parenting my children.”
The moms share successes and struggles with each other, giving support for both. Starbuck described it as a dynamic environment because kids are making friendships and moms are, too.
“I feel really grateful to have become a part of MOMS Club of Lompoc, and it’s been a learning experience,” Starbuck said. “It’s really helped me grow as a person, and I feel very privileged to be able to be a stay-at-home parent and to have this sort of resource available to me.”
Highlights
• Lompoc Parks and Recreation is hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event costs $10 for ages 3 to 12 and $12 for those 13 and older. It’ll be held at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center at 1120 W. Ocean Ave. Children 2 and younger can join for free with an adult. Call (805) 875-8100 to register for tickets.
• The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s upcoming All-Baroque Holiday performance is on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The program includes Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more with featured solos by violinist Brynn Albanese. Kids 18 and younger can attend for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. The show will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Maria. Visit smphilharmonic.org for ticket details.
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 4, 2025.