Mackayla Turley, a dedicated mother of three, saw a need in Pahrump when she moved to the town with a two-year-old and a four-month-old. “There’s not much to do in Pahrump for little kids,” she said. Struggling to find friends who shared her values and schedules, Mackayla decided to take matters into her own hands. With the collapse of a previous moms’ group, she stepped up to create Pahrump Mother’s Corner, a vibrant community designed to help moms connect, support one another, and thrive. Today, she serves as the administrator and founder, leading the group with the help of her moderators—Andrea Coughlin, Chelsea D. Guy, Nichole Kinnamon, and Shelby Moreno.
Pahrump Mother’s Corner has grown into a safe haven for mothers in the community, offering resources and opportunities to build meaningful connections. Mackayla’s vision goes beyond providing activities for children; her focus is on supporting moms. “It’s about making sure moms feel seen and cared for,” she explained. “When’s the last time you had your coffee hot or went to the bathroom alone? We want to make sure moms get a moment to breathe.”
The group operates entirely on a volunteer basis, with no membership fees, making it accessible to all local moms. Its Facebook page serves as an extension of in-person connections, with events tailored to moms and children of all ages. Mackayla emphasizes the importance of finding a personal “village,” noting that while the group has over 600 members, it’s the smaller, close-knit connections formed through the group that truly make a difference.
A key feature of Pahrump Mother’s Corner is its regular events, which range from casual gatherings to structured activities. Quarterly swaps are one of the most popular offerings, where members bring items they no longer need—clothes, toys, baby gear, household items—and take what they can use. “People have found everything from strollers and high chairs to air fryers and vacuums,” Mackayla said. “I haven’t had to buy clothes for my kids in years!” The next Swap is Saturday, January 11th from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Mormon church on Wilson (921 E Wilson Rd).
Another favorite is Mamas and Mugs, an unstructured outdoor playdate held at Mackayla’s home. Moms bring their favorite mug and a snack to share, while the group provides coffee. Children play in a park-like backyard while moms relax and connect. “It’s a way to reset and find your village,” Mackayla said. Dinner Club is another standout, catering to working moms who gather for a potluck meal at one of the moderators’ homes. Craft Corner is another regularly-scheduled event that offers kids the chance to enjoy crafting with friends – it occasionally provides the opportunity to make something special as a gift like Christmas ornaments or Mother’s Day cards.
In addition to these regular events, the group hosts seasonal activities like Easter egg hunts, kite-flying days, park playdates, and picnics. “We try to take advantage of what Pahrump has to offer,” Mackayla said. They’ve even partnered with local organizations, hosting events at the fire station and having the police give safety presentations. While most events cater to younger children, the group also includes all ages, up to 17, ensuring a broad range of activities and support.
Support extends beyond events. The group organizes meal trains to help families in need, whether due to the birth of a baby, an injury, or the loss of a loved one. In 2024 alone, they set up 32 meal trains. Members also step in to help with smaller challenges, such as delivering dinner to a mom late getting home from work in Las Vegas or offering a coffee drop-off to someone having a tough day. “We’re trying to rebuild the village that many of us don’t have anymore,” Mackayla said. “If a mom is overwhelmed, we rally to help.”
Funding the group’s activities is an ongoing challenge. Mackayla relies on her artisan bread business, Mama’s Bread, to raise funds for events, selling loaves when supplies like coffee or craft materials are needed. The group has also held a fundraiser, a bake sale that raised $5,000, for the Town of Pahrump to build a splash pad. However, because of the nature of the group, Mackayla is hesitant about adding a fundraising element, ensuring the group remains a sustainable size and platform while also remaining focused on its mission.
Safety and inclusivity are cornerstones of Pahrump Mother’s Corner. Membership is restricted to local moms who answer screening questions and agree to group rules. “The Facebook group is an online extension of in-person friendships,” Mackayla explained. “If you don’t live here or don’t plan to participate in person, it’s not the right group for you.” She also enforces rules to maintain a positive, supportive environment. “We’re strict about kindness,” she said. “If you’re not being nice, you can leave. We want to be role models for the kids.”
Looking to the future, Mackayla and her moderators are working to expand the group’s reach and offerings. They’re applying to affiliate with the nationwide “Hot Mess Express” initiative, which provides household resets for overwhelmed moms. “We’re hoping to become the local chapter,” she said. “Every mom gets to a point where they need help, and we want to be there to provide it.”
Reflecting on the impact of Pahrump Mother’s Corner, Mackayla shared how the group has been transformative for her and its members. “This generation doesn’t have the same village the past generations did,” she said. “We’re trying to fill that gap and make sure moms know they’re not alone. It’s been life-giving for me, and I hope it’s been the same for others.”
To learn more or join the group, search “Pahrump Mother’s Corner” on Facebook. As Mackayla often reminds members, “Finding your village can change everything.”
