Out of the Valley Ministries, Inc. was founded in February 2006 by Tara Mock in hopes of encouraging and supporting women and their families struggling with postpartum mood disorders. Tara and her husband were married in 1999, and subsequently experienced 2.5 years of infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome before finally conceiving their son. A week after her son's birth in early 2005, Tara experienced severe postpartum depression and was hospitalized for a few days before being released into round-the-clock care by her husband and a close friend, a mother-baby nurse. Treatment consisted of anti-depressant medication and Christian counseling, and another vital aspect of her recovery was the incredible support of her family, close friends, and church.
The highly publicized debate between Mr. Tom Cruise and Ms. Brooke Shields about postpartum depression has bought this illness into the public eye. This has served as an inspiration for us to encourage women suffering from postpartum mood disorders in the midst of hurtful, uneducated criticism by celebrities and “normal” people alike. Our hearts and grateful appreciation go out to Ms. Shields for her bravery and steadfastness in bringing her story to the world. It is only by such bravery and openness that this stigma against women with such disorders will end.
During Tara’s recovery, we discovered a need in the Christian community for a ministry dedicated to supporting and encouraging women just like her. We hope and pray that this ministry will comfort, educate and encourage women and their families all over the world. Our vision is to have an extensive online presence as well as community ministry groups across the country as women who recover from postpartum mood disorders comfort other women through starting additional support groups.
Tara lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her family and their sweet Golden Retriever. She is originally from Kentucky where she received her bachelor's degree from Campbellsville University. She later received her Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina. Tara can be reached via email at tara@outofthevalley.org
For more information on Out of the Valley Ministries, please send an email to info@outofthevalley.org.
In Christ,
Tara Mock
|