The age-old adage claims that “it takes a village to raise a child,” a sentiment profoundly underscored by the challenges facing new parents. The bewildering quest to find the right doctors, the suitable formula, or the correct diapers can seem like an insurmountable task. However, there is a solution.
This past Saturday, the First Presbyterian Church played host to the second annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair, a collaborative effort between Communities in Schools and Healthy Blue. Notable organizations such as Nzuri Doula Services, Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, Salisbury Pediatric Associates, and Children’s Developmental Services Agency came together to assist parents in navigating the myriad of childcare options that best suit their unique circumstances.
Jaylen Jeffreys, a community relations representative for Healthy Blue, emphasized the event’s primary goal, saying, “The overall objective is to inform residents, expecting mothers, and families of the local resources that can aid in child development and connect families with community resources. We aim to celebrate their little ones and ensure that people who might not have the opportunity to have a baby shower can access a one-stop shop for resources, clothes, baby essentials, and everything they need to prepare for their little ones.”
Visitors to the event were welcomed with open arms, and they departed with complimentary clothing, wipes, and diapers. Attendees also engaged in lively baby shower games like bingo, a baby bottle chugging contest, and the ever-amusing “guess the flavor of baby food.” Prizes included coveted items like changing tables and strollers, adding an element of excitement to the day.
Ali Earnhardt, one of the event’s attendees, learned about the fair through her Communities in Schools representative. She expressed her gratitude for the chance to bond with other mothers and acknowledged the vital role such organizations play in supporting parents who may be facing difficulties. Earnhardt shared, “I have met so many moms in the area. Right now, we’re laughing, just kind of reminiscing when our babies were newborns. It’s nice to see the community come together for new moms. My only wish is that I would’ve had something right when she was born. Postpartum is so important to recognize. For our community to come together and show that we support not only the babies, but we’re supporting moms as well.”
Jaylen Jeffreys, recognizing the increasing interest, explained that more mothers pre-registered for the fair compared to the previous year. This substantial turnout prompted the need for a larger venue. A total of 47 moms pre-registered for the event this year, not including walk-in attendees. The organizers believe that keeping parents informed about local resources remains paramount, regardless of when their baby was born, ensuring that they have access to valuable information and support.
Anansa Lattimore, who works for Nzuri Doula Services as a certified birth doula, plays a pivotal role in helping women with their birth plans, empowering them to advocate for themselves. She views the provision of these free assets to parents as a means to educate them on what to expect when having children and what the best practices are in raising them.
Lattimore emphasized, “When you have companies coming together to give you what you need and what you’re looking for, whether it’s a pediatric office, child advocacy, or even something to prevent medications from being taken by the babies, any woman, pregnant or with a child, would unquestionably benefit from these events.”
The Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair exemplify the power of community collaboration in Salisbury, ensuring that new parents receive the support and resources they need on their journey of raising their little ones.
