AU's 'Ask a Mom' chapter offers cookies and comfort

AU Ask a Mom Volunteers from left to right: Georgia Walters, Deborah Baumgarten, Trina Wagher, Susie Raumbaugh and Marian Snyder. (photo by Isabel Brown)

By Isabel Brown | Contributor

Mothers and grandmothers with the organization of “Ask a Mom” stand in the teardrop of Augusta University’s Summerville campus to hand out cookies, advice and a hug each Wednesday for students who need it.

“Ask a Mom” consists of AU moms who empathize with the struggle of being a student without familial support close by. Their goal is to provide in person encouragement and support for all students during the school year by lending a listening ear and a warm embrace.

“Our long term goal is that if our team gets large enough, we would be able to split our group into two,” said Trina Wagher, head of AU’s “Ask a Mom” chapter. “That way, we will be able to have one group at Summerville and another at the Health Science Campus.”

AU’s “Ask a Mom” team currently has eight members on campus.

“We’re moms for people who need moms,” said volunteer Susie Rumbaugh as she handed out brownies and cookies to passersby.

“Ask a Mom” volunteers are easily identifiable by their navy “Augusta University Mom” shirts and baskets filled with carefully wrapped baked goods, ready to be given away when any student shows an interest.

“If someone didn’t have a motherly figure in their life, we’re here to fill the gap,” said Deborah Baumgarten, another volunteer, after she finished talking with one of her former students.

The volunteers come from various backgrounds including education, healthcare, business and others, which allows them to better connect with students.

“Ask a Mom” was founded by Cathy Thompson in Florida in 2005. Since then, “Ask a Mom” has opened seven chapters across the nation. Thompson established the first “Ask a Mom” on the College of Central Florida campus, setting the example of encouraging students while handing out bags of baked goods.

Sweet treats are baked by other volunteers and vary in flavor every week. The moms hand out individually wrapped cookies, brownies and other baked goods as they offer support to students.

The group provides advice and encouragement. As written on their banner, “Ask a Mom” freely gives advice on time management, finances, relationships, friendships, adult life and more. “Ask a Mom” is a judgment free zone where volunteers are happy to answer any questions or just listen if someone needs to talk.

Consisting of mothers and grandmothers, “Ask a Mom” is not shy when concerning hugs. Even if a student does not want to talk or have a cookie, the volunteers are happy to embrace students who want or need it.

“Ask a Mom” has since reached out to many students, helping them acclimate to the school year with bright smiles and friendly faces.

Contact Isabel Brown at isabrown@augusta.edu.