MONTAGUE — After seeing an uptick in mothers who don’t have the resources to take care of their newborns, the Montague Catholic Ministries has launched a program to help women during that formative time in a child’s life.
As part of the new “Welcome Baby” assistance project, the ministry is asking that residents and private organizations consider donating baby items to help women struggling with homelessness, addiction or economic constraints.
Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Mary King spearheaded the project in March, when over the past eight months she noticed an increase in mothers coming to the ministries looking for help.
“We are just trying to take care of that need that we see in the community,” said King, who started working at the ministry in October in a position sponsored by the state Department of Early Education and Care.
The price of baby clothes, diapers and other essentials can add up and the ministry hopes to fill in the gaps for women in need by prepacking gift bags with baby goods. The organization also takes special requests from social workers who might have a client in financial hardship.
“Many families come because they need assistance with diapers and then we learn they need assistance with food,” said Liliana Moresco, who facilitates a playgroup at the ministries every week on Wednesdays and Fridays.
She said the ministry also guides mothers who might need help with finding resources for housing and food. “They are very thankful and they always come back and they feel security,” said Moresco, who started working at the ministry in February.
Donations from local organizations and individuals are already coming in, King said. Our Lady of Peace parish in Turners Falls donated diapers. Woman at St. Andrews Church donated knit caps and sewed quilts for the babies.
The Montague Police Department donated four or five car seats, which could cost families more than $60 each.
Diapers alone can also be a major expense for low-income residents, said King. “You are kind of forced into these diaper economies and they are very expensive,” she said.
Newborns, she said, might go through six to 10 diapers per day. Depending on the baby, diapers could cost families about $7 every two days for the cheapest brands, amounting to at least $105 per month. The diapers also get more expensive as the child gets bigger.
Car seats are another major expense for low-income parents, but donated car seats must not be over 5 years old. “You don’t want people donating old car seats that have expired,” said police officer Daniel Miner.
To minimize some of these costs, the ministry is asking that residents donate unused newborn clothes, diapers, blankets and car seats. Donations can be dropped off at the Montague Catholic Social Ministries at 41 Third St. in Turners Falls between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
For more information about the ministry or the Welcome Baby assistance project, call the ministry at 413-863-4805.
You can reach Lisa Spear at:
lspear@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 280