Meet the 2026 Macaroni KID Modesto Heart of the Community Winner: Weird Moms Club 209
At Macaroni KID Modesto, the Heart of the Community award is reserved for organizations that don’t just serve families — they change lives. This year’s 2026 honoree does exactly that, one honest conversation, one brave mom, and one growing village at a time.
We are honored to introduce Weird Moms Club 209, a nonprofit rooted in connection, compassion, and the radical idea that no mom should ever feel alone.
 |
Katelyn, Keanan, Emelia (Vice President), Kari (President), Kortnee (Treasurer/Secretary), Jazmin
A Village Born From Real Life
Weird Moms Club 209 didn’t begin with a grant, a business plan, or a perfectly curated vision board. It began with a simple playdate at Shelter Cove’s indoor playground in Modesto — and a vulnerable conversation between two moms.
After trying several local mom groups, founder Kari knew something was missing. The spaces were kind and well-intentioned, but they didn’t offer the deeper sense of belonging she was craving. That day, she shared a quiet dream with another mom: “I’ve always wanted to build a community like this… but I’m afraid to start.” Together, they picked a date for their first playdate: August 27, 2024.
What that mom didn’t know was that Kari was in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of her life. Four months after welcoming her first daughter, Kari lost her own mother to cancer. She was navigating postpartum emotions, deep grief, and the painful realization that the “village” everyone talks about doesn’t always appear when you need it most.
So instead of waiting for support to arrive, she decided to build it.
A Facebook group was created. A simple playdate was shared in local mom groups. Within days, over 100 moms joined. Kari assumed maybe one or two would show up. Instead, nearly 30 moms and their kids arrived — overwhelming, beautiful proof that the need she felt was shared by so many others.
By September, Weird Moms Club 209 released its first full calendar of gatherings. Attendance kept growing, and it quickly became clear this wasn’t just a social group. It was something bigger. When her co-organizer stepped away, Kari stayed — because the mission had shifted.
This was no longer about finding her people.
It became about helping every mom find theirs.
That’s when the guiding light was born:
Find your people. Build your village.
A Safe Place to Land
Today, Weird Moms Club 209 is a safe, inclusive space for moms, children, partners, and families of all kinds. It’s a place where moms can show up messy, tired, grieving, anxious, joyful, or unsure — and still belong.
It’s where:
- A mom can reach out at 2 a.m. when anxiety feels louder than sleep
- Someone can sit quietly with coffee and not have to explain themselves
- Connection can look like deep conversation or parallel park-bench silence
There is no “right” way to be a mom here.
And when real life needs show up, this community moves.
From Connection to Impact
A defining moment came during the LA fires. Although Weird Moms Club 209 is rooted in the 209, the belief is simple: there isn’t a mom anywhere we wouldn’t help.
Board member Jazmin Palomino suggested a donation drive. Within days, a massive haul was organized. Dutch Hollow Farms offered their parking lot for a one-day drop-off. One mom’s husband personally drove the truck down to Los Angeles to deliver the supplies.
That moment changed everything.
It made one truth undeniable: moms can do anything when they come together.
In 2025, Weird Moms Club 209 officially became a nonprofit. Since then, they’ve led outreach projects, provided tangible support, and created real, measurable impact. One mom shared that before finding the group, she had considered ending her life. Feeling seen, noticed, and cared for — simply belonging — changed her path forward.
That story alone affirms why this work matters.
Who They Serve & Why It Matters
Weird Moms Club 209 exists to reduce isolation and build meaningful community for mothers across Modesto and the surrounding 209 cities — at every stage of motherhood.
They serve:
- First-time moms and seasoned moms
- Single moms, working moms, and stay-at-home moms
- Moms navigating postpartum challenges, grief, mental health struggles, or major life transitions
This community is intentionally inclusive. There’s no mold to fit into, no expectation to be polished or “have it all together.” Just a shared belief that belonging can be life-changing.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The future is rooted, intentional, and full of heart.
In 2026, Weird Moms Club 209 is especially excited about:
- A partnership with Elite Family Services, bringing comfort kits and birthday celebrations to boys living in foster homes
- A back-to-school backpack drive to support a local school and ease stress for families
- Holiday celebrations and their second-year anniversary bash, celebrating deeper friendships, more stories, and a growing village
What started as playdates has become collective action — and they’re just getting started.
How Families Can Get Involved
- Moms can join the private Facebook group, where playdates, meetups, and connections begin
- Volunteers and supporters can follow along on Instagram and Facebook for outreach projects and impact opportunities
- Anyone interested in partnering, donating, or volunteering can reach out directly via Instagram or email at
kari@weirdmomsclub209.org
Connection starts with a conversation — and everyone is welcome to show up in a way that fits their capacity.
Why They’re the Heart of Our Community
Community support isn’t just part of Weird Moms Club 209’s mission — it is the mission.
Isolation is one of the greatest challenges facing mothers today. Connection can be the difference between surviving the day and feeling supported enough to keep going. Whether it’s a park bench chat, a coffee date, or moms stepping in when life feels too heavy, community creates a safety net that saves lives.
And that’s why Weird Moms Club 209 is our 2026 Heart of the Community winner.
One Last Thing They Want You to Know
This isn’t a club you have to earn your way into.
It’s a village you’re invited to.
If you’re reading this and wondering if you’d belong — that’s usually a sign that you already do. 💛
At Macaroni KID Modesto, we believe strong communities start with connection. Weird Moms Club 209 embodies everything the Heart of the Community award represents — compassion, inclusion, and showing up for families when it matters most. We are incredibly proud to honor them as our 2026 Heart of the Community winner and grateful for the safe, supportive space they continue to create for moms across the 209.
This feature was created by Macaroni KID Modesto using interview questions written by the publisher and answered by Kari Grant, founder of Weird Moms Club 209. Her words and experiences helped shape the story shared above.
💌 Stay Connected with Macaroni KID Modesto!
Don’t miss local events, family fun, and more spotlights like this one.
💙 Subscribe to Our Newsletter 🧡 Follow Us on Facebook 💜 Follow Us on Instagram 💚 Check Our Event Calendar
