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Baby Bottle Campaign: Providing Help for New and Expectant Parents

By SARAH VETTER

Catholic Charities' 18th annual Baby Bottle Campaign kicks off on October 6, Respect Life Sunday, and runs for the entire month of October. The Campaign raises funds for Catholic Charities' Mother and Child Assistance Fund while also raising awareness of the services for new and expectant parents across the diocese.

Catholic Charities’ Mother and Child Assistance Fund serves as a safety net for pregnant women and families with new babies. Families can apply for one-time financial assistance to help pay rent or utilities. While applying for financial assistance, new parents also receive education on budgeting and perinatal mental health, receive free baby items such as car seats and portable cribs, and can access Catholic Charities’ diaper banks for free diapers and wipes on a monthly basis. Research has shown that the main reason women choose abortion is because of financial stress. By meeting tangible needs for women in crisis, along with support and education, Catholic Charities instills confidence in new mothers and creates hope for the future.

Allison* is a young single mother who came to Catholic Charities to request help due to her electricity having been shut off. She had been working prior to giving birth, but her baby girl was born very early and had been in the NICU for several months. Allison was not able to work until her baby was released from the hospital, which caused her to fall behind on bills and ultimately led to her electricity being disconnected. Catholic Charities was able to pay the $500 she needed to get her electricity turned back on so she and her baby had a safe place to go home to every night. Allison plans to use Catholic Charities diaper bank for free diapers and wipes to offset some of the costs of raising a baby while she continues to get back on her feet. She expressed gratitude to her social worker and the program that made this help possible.

Jasmine* was very sick at the beginning of her pregnancy and lost her job after missing too much work. Her husband’s hours had recently been cut and the family was worried about paying all of their bills. The couple applied for the Mother and Child Assistance Fund at Catholic Charities, which was able to pay half of their August rent. This help gave Jasmine’s husband time to find a better paying job and create a plan for the future. They will be eligible to receive a portable crib and car seat for their baby so they are fully prepared by the time he is born this winter.

Please consider joining with us to support new and expectant parents like Allison and Jasmine across the diocese! You can pick up a bottle from your parish or local Catholic Charities office, fill it with change or a check during the month of October, and return it to your parish. All the funds raised will be used to help young families with financial needs. If you are unable to pick up a bottle, you can still support the campaign! Please mail your donation directly to Catholic Charities Baby Bottle Campaign, PO Box 379, Winona, MN 55987, or give online at ccsomn. org/donate and designate your donation to the Baby Bottle Campaign. Each donation supports a confident pregnancy and a stable beginning for a new little one. Thank you for supporting the gift of life!

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.

Sarah Vetter, LISW is the Director of Child & Family Services for Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota

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