A host of area organizations are teaming up to celebrate Moms-to-Be during the First Annual Community Baby Shower.
OACAC, Home State Health, Christian Action Ministries and Revealz Ultrasound would like to invite expectant mothers and new mothers (with babies six weeks of age or younger) to a free baby shower, set for February 1.
Sundii Schafer, of OACAC explained that the purpose of the community baby shower is to build a connection with the Taney County community, while providing resources that will greatly benefit new mothers.
"I wanted to offer one location where our families were able to connect with several agencies and organizations to obtain services and supports to grow and thrive," explained Schafer. "This is a wonderful opportunity to obtain resources from many organizations."
Agencies that will be present at the event include Home State Health, Christian Action Ministries, OACAC and OACAC Head Start, Revealz Ultrasound, Adapt Partnerships for Success, Children's Division Prevention Unit, CoxHealth, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Missouri, LinkAbility, Missouri Family Resources, Options Pregnancy Center, Parents As Teachers, Riley's Treasurers, Taney County Health Department and others.
Schaefer shared how the event came about.
"I'm originally from St. Louis and had previously worked with Home State Health to host a community baby shower a few years ago," said Schafer. "When I began working with OACAC Head Start as a home visitor, I found that we were not serving as many pregnant mothers and new mothers as I had hoped. I had been told many times that finding services in Taney County is difficult for families. This was concerning to me because there is so much need in our community. In October, I reached out to Jonna at Home State Health to request support for an event. She agreed immediately, and it has grown from there. I talked with Elizabeth at Christian Action Ministries, and she offered the space for the event, as well as groceries for all the families to take home with them. There have been so many agencies that have jumped in since then to make this event a success."
Schafer also spoke of the day's events, explaining, "Registered mothers will be provided with a punch card to use when visiting the agencies' resource tables. The punch card will be their raffle ticket for the agency's gift. Gifts will include car seats, pack n' plays, high chairs and baby-themed gift baskets. A light lunch will be served. Expectant mothers can choose to have an ultrasound by Revealz Ultrasound. They will also receive 200 diapers and a package of wipes from the Ozark Area Diaper Bank. Riley's Treasures and OACAC have created a free clothing closet where all registered can choose clothing. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Missouri will be distributing books. Locking medication bags will be distributed by Adapt Partnerships for Success and CoxHealth. We also have a limited amount of baby formula to share with families. The raffle will be completed at the end of the event, and all families will leave the event with groceries that are provided by CAM."
Schafer added, "We appreciate the sponsors and organizations that were willing to contribute to make this event a success!"
The First Annual Community Baby Shower will be held Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christian Action Ministries "Hub," 2400 Historic Highway 165 in Branson.
To RSVP, contact Sundii Schafer at sschafer@oac.ac. Registration is open through January 27.
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