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The Community Health Center’s Family Wellness Program in Middletown has sponsored the Middlesex County Diaper Bank Program for nearly a decade. Shown here is Nathaniel Holmes, CHC community wellness and engagement program specialist.
lessPhoto: Contributed Photo / Nathaniel HolmesThe Community Health Center’s Family Wellness Program in Middletown has sponsored the Middlesex County Diaper Bank Program for nearly a decade. Shown here is Nathaniel Holmes, CHC community wellness and
... more
The Community Health Center’s Family Wellness Program in Middletown has sponsored the Middlesex County Diaper Bank Program for nearly a decade. Shown here is Nathaniel Holmes, CHC community wellness and engagement program specialist.
lessThe Community Health Center’s Family Wellness Program in Middletown has sponsored the Middlesex County Diaper Bank Program for nearly a decade. Shown here is Nathaniel Holmes, CHC community wellness and
... moreMIDDLETOWN — Now more than ever, the need for diapers is great for families struggling from the effects of the pandemic.
Locally, the Community Health Center Family Wellness Program, at 675 Main St., has sponsored the Middlesex County Diaper Bank Program since 2011, something one mother calls a “blessing.”
“It’s wonderful to know we live in such a supportive community, and I am truly thankful for the help. Just one small thing can ease a tremendous burden for a lot of parents,” said Lauryn, who identified herself by first name only.
The center was founded in 1993 to create a nurturing space for children birth to 5 and their families to attend play groups and classes, according to Nathaniel Holmes, Community Health Center community wellness and engagement program specialist. The bank distributes free diapers to families on the third Wednesday of each month at both 635 and 675 Main St. from noon to 3 p.m.
Family members can fill out a registration form on site and will only need proof of residency in Middlesex County to sign up. Children can receive diapers until age 3. If the family receives a doctor’s note for a medical/behavioral health issue, the child is able to get diapers until age 4, Holmes said.
“I am so glad that I found this place, because it has helped me a lot with diapers for my two children,” said mother Naima, who has used the service since 2017.
The bank carries sizes newborn through 6, and training pants and pull-ups are also available. Members receive 50 diapers per month per child. The program also provides free children’s books through the CHC Read to Grow initiative.
The Family Wellness Center is a member agency of The Diaper Bank of Connecticut, which delivers the diapers to the wellness center once a month, Holmes said. Those who cannot make that time may call for an appointment.
If a family misses a month, members are not able to receive double the following month, he said.
“We must never underestimate both the need and cost of diapers,” said Amy D. Gagliardi, senior manager of prenatal programs at the Community Health Center. “Whenever any of our prenatal patients call for diapers, Nat has always been there to help, and has been there even in emergency situations for same-day distribution of diapers. The diaper bank is a highly valued service offered to our community.”
“Support from the diaper bank for the clients of Hallie House has been super helpful. Staff and clients are grateful for this amazing community resource,” said Jessica Griffin, case manager for The Connection Inc. Hallie House for Women and Children.
Due to the coronavirus, all 19 all in-person Family Wellness Center programming is on hold. However, the CHC is running five virtual Zoom classes for children and families: Cultural Connections (support group for immigrant women), Circle of Moms (support group for new mothers), breastfeeding support group, Cantos y Cuentos (Spanish songs and music), and Arts Explorers (art projects for kids).
For information on the support groups or diaper bank, contact Holmes at holmesn@chc1.com or 860-347-6971, Ext. 3662.
The Link LonkNovember 28, 2020 at 05:45AM
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Middletown health center helping families one diaper pack at time - Middletown Press
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