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Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Updated: April 16, 2024 @ 6:28 pm
Taking part in the ribbon-cutting for A Baby's Closet are, from left: Joann Simon, volunteer; Carolyn Wolf, donor; Betsy Henderson, director, A Baby’s Closet; Meg Distler, executive director, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation; Dr. Crystal Bush, board president, Associated Churches; Roger Reece, executive director, Associated Churches; Bishop Kevin Rhodes, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend; Mayor Tom Henry; and Cheryl Chalfant, executive director, Mary Cross Tippman Foundation.
Taking part in the ribbon-cutting for A Baby's Closet are, from left: Joann Simon, volunteer; Carolyn Wolf, donor; Betsy Henderson, director, A Baby’s Closet; Meg Distler, executive director, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation; Dr. Crystal Bush, board president, Associated Churches; Roger Reece, executive director, Associated Churches; Bishop Kevin Rhodes, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend; Mayor Tom Henry; and Cheryl Chalfant, executive director, Mary Cross Tippman Foundation.
A Baby's Closet is open 2-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at 621 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne.
A Baby's Closet has requested donations of several items, including baby blankets, sippy cups and diaper cream.
A Baby’s Closet celebrated its recent move with a ribbon-cutting May 6 at its new location at 621 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. The organization serves families who need help getting essential baby items such as cribs, car seats and other baby supplies.
“We just moved here a couple of months ago … It’s so bright and new and beautiful. We are better located. We have a campus now with the Wolf Mission House and the Associated Churches main office (across the street),” Betsy Henderson, director, said.
Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County bought the building for A Baby’s closet last July. The purchase was made possible by both foundation donors and private donors.
“We were able to secure that building for $77,000,” said Roger Reece, Associated Churches executive director. “It is about 56% paid off. We are working hard to do some fundraising. We are asking the business community to help support (us). We are asking the foundations to help support (us). And, they have really come through in lots of ways, but we still have a ways to go.”
Renovations to the building were completed recently. Reece said the cost was about $10,000.
“The work was done by volunteers, so we didn’t have to pay a contractor,” he said. “We put in a new floor, some new doors and painted. It is really serving this community and serving the most vulnerable. We are excited about reaching out to the community. And, we are grateful for the building.”
Henderson said shoppers can earn coupons for the things they need to buy. For example, parents can attend classes on nutrition, safe sleep, and family support to earn coupons.
“They can go through programs like Healthy Families. That program is run by SCAN. Or, parents can go through the Healthier Moms and Babies program. That means they have a nurse or a case worker working with them to check on the development of the baby and any of their needs,” Henderson said.
“What a blessing it is to have this kind of support. This community needs to be in unity together to serve our most vulnerable, It is really a reflection of how we care for our community and one another,” Reece said.
A Baby’s Closet was formerly located in the basement of First Christian Church on South Calhoun Street.
It has a wish list of items for children, including baby blankets, baby spoons and pull-up diapers.
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