On Wednesday, Mishawaka, Indiana, celebrated a significant milestone with the blessing of a new Safe Haven Baby Box, marking the 300th location for the organization across the United States. The new box, located at the Mishawaka Fire Department’s Station #2 on 700 East McKinley Avenue, is the 141st such facility in Indiana. It stands as a beacon of hope and safety for mothers in crisis, offering a safe, anonymous alternative for those in need of surrendering an infant.
The addition of this baby box to the community was celebrated by local advocates and organizations who have worked tirelessly to bring the resource to the city. In particular, community members like Kay Green and the Knights of Columbus played a crucial role in making this facility a reality for Mishawaka.
A Lifeline for Mothers in Crisis
The Safe Haven Baby Box organization, founded in 2017, has made it their mission to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns by providing women in crisis with the option to safely and anonymously surrender their infants. The boxes, which are installed in fire stations and hospitals across the nation, are designed to allow mothers to leave their babies in a safe, monitored environment without fear of judgment or legal repercussions.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, emphasized the importance of having such resources available to mothers in desperate circumstances. “We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis,” Kelsey said during the blessing ceremony. “I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
The opening of Mishawaka’s new baby box is another step in the organization’s ongoing effort to provide these life-saving alternatives. The location will offer a safe, anonymous way for mothers who feel they have no other option but to surrender their child to do so without fear of legal consequences.
A Community-Driven Effort
The Safe Haven Baby Box in Mishawaka did not come to fruition without the dedication and hard work of local community members. Kay Green, a key advocate for the project, worked alongside organizations like the Knights of Columbus to ensure that the baby box was brought to their city.
Green spoke about the importance of this new addition to the community, stressing the need for more safe, accessible options for mothers who may be facing unthinkable circumstances. “This facility represents a lifeline to a mother in crisis. It provides the option for her to give up her child without fear or shame,” Green explained. “It’s a relief to know that this safe space will be here when it’s needed most.”
The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization with a long history of supporting charitable causes, also played a pivotal role in securing the box’s installation in Mishawaka. Their commitment to the project speaks to the broad community support that Safe Haven Baby Boxes has garnered in various locations.
A Nationwide Impact
Since its founding, Safe Haven Baby Boxes has expanded its reach to 300 locations across the United States. The organization’s rapid growth is a testament to the overwhelming need for such a service, as well as the support it has received from local communities, advocacy groups, and government entities. The mission of the organization is to provide both awareness and resources, and the new box in Mishawaka is a vital addition to their nationwide network.
The success of the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative has been marked by both the number of locations opened and the lives saved through the program. According to the organization, 54 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a baby box since its inception in 2017. Additionally, the 24-hour hotline provided by the organization has assisted in over 150 handoff surrenders. These numbers highlight the effectiveness of the program and the critical role that the baby boxes and hotline play in offering a safe, legal alternative to infant abandonment.
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes are equipped with alarm systems that alert the facility once a baby has been placed inside, ensuring immediate response from emergency personnel. The babies are then taken into the care of local hospitals or other child welfare services, where they are adopted by families who are registered as foster-to-adopt parents.
Adoption Process and Future Goals
The infants who are surrendered to Safe Haven Baby Boxes are placed into the care of local Department of Family Services (DFS) departments, which help facilitate the adoption process. The babies are then adopted by families who have already registered with the foster-to-adopt program, ensuring that each child is placed in a loving, stable home.
Monica Kelsey expressed optimism for the future of the program, noting that the nationwide network of Safe Haven Baby Boxes has grown steadily over the years. “Each box represents hope and a chance for a better future for both the child and the mother,” Kelsey said. “It’s an option for women who feel they have no other choice. And we’re proud that we can offer this service.”
Kelsey has also hinted at plans to continue expanding the organization’s reach across the United States. The 300th Safe Haven Baby Box is just the beginning, and the organization hopes to continue working with local advocates to bring more boxes to areas where they are needed.
“While we celebrate this milestone today, our work is far from over,” Kelsey added. “There are still too many babies in danger and too many mothers who feel isolated. We will keep working until every mother has access to the resources she needs and every child is given a chance at life.”
Raising Awareness for Safe Haven Laws
In addition to providing physical baby boxes, Safe Haven Baby Boxes works diligently to raise awareness about the Safe Haven laws that exist in every state. These laws allow mothers to legally and anonymously surrender their infants at designated locations, such as fire stations, hospitals, and police stations, without fear of criminal prosecution. By educating the public about these laws and their safety provisions, Safe Haven Baby Boxes hopes to reduce the instances of unsafe infant abandonment.
The organization also offers a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis, where they can receive support, advice, and information about the Safe Haven laws. The hotline serves as another avenue for mothers who may not be aware of the options available to them, allowing them to make an informed decision about what to do in a difficult situation.
A Growing Network of Support
The efforts of Safe Haven Baby Boxes continue to be supported by a wide range of organizations, individuals, and local communities. The work of local advocates, such as Kay Green and the Knights of Columbus, underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing this complex issue.
“We are stronger when we work together,” said Kelsey. “The Safe Haven Baby Box program is only possible because of the support we’ve received from all corners of society—local leaders, churches, first responders, and regular people who want to make a difference.”
The opening of the 300th Safe Haven Baby Box in Mishawaka is not just a milestone for the organization, but a testament to the power of community action and the hope that each box represents for mothers and babies in crisis. With continued support and expansion, Safe Haven Baby Boxes aims to reach even more communities and ensure that no infant is left behind in dangerous circumstances.
A Future of Safety and Support
As Safe Haven Baby Boxes looks to the future, their commitment to providing safe, anonymous options for mothers in crisis remains at the heart of their mission. The Mishawaka box is just one part of a much larger effort that continues to grow nationwide. For the mothers who feel they have no other option, and for the infants who desperately need a chance at life, Safe Haven Baby Boxes offers a second chance at safety, love, and a future filled with possibility.
The 300th location may mark a significant achievement, but for the organization, the journey is far from over. With each new box, the chance for a mother to make a life-saving choice grows, and with it, the hope for brighter futures for children across the country.
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