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Families learn Baby Basics as part of national program
By TRACY X. MIGUEL
More than a dozen parents waited patiently to get the last distribution
of free diapers for their little ones.
Cecilia Mendez held Grosbin, 1, on her lap in a community classroom at
Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Immokalee.
The Immokalee site’s seven-week pilot program called Baby Basics of
Collier County recently came to an end.
The nonprofit, volunteer national organization distributes diapers to
low-income families with children under the age of 3.
Unlike other Baby Basics sites in Collier County, which are held
year-round, the pilot program in Immokalee was held monthly during the
growing season — November to May.
Mendez, a Guatemalan native who moved to Immokalee four years ago,
received two packets of a total of about 175 diapers for two of her
younger children, ages 2 and 1.
She said she wishes that Baby Basics existed in South Carolina, where
she will move next for work.
Mendez, 24, who earns between $50 and $60 a day as a farmworker, spends
half of her earnings on babysitters for her three children, Sergio, 4,
Dawson, 2, and Grosbin, 1.
Yet, the program is more than free diapers for 27 children in Immokalee.
Parents mingle, then meet for about one hour with a support group of
volunteers and receive health education information about children.
Prior to the distribution of diapers, Estela Lozano, a health specialist
for RCMA, spoke to some 15 parents about the importance of getting their
children immunized and physical examinations.
Lozano told parents that they could go to walk-in health department
clinics and get it done for no cost.
“When we first came to Immokalee we knew that we really wanted to be
here, as well as in Naples, because the need is so great,” said Jean Ann
Lynch, founder and president of Baby Basics.
Lynch, a former teacher and consultant in volunteer leadership, created
the organization after realizing that working parents often had a hard
time getting basic necessities for their children.
“Somebody else cares for you and understands that you are working hard
to provide for your children,” she said.
RCMA staff volunteers help translate and also provided free food for
families.
Next season, the Immokalee program plans to grow from 27 children to 45
kids. Organizers also plan to open another site in Immokalee at Habitat
for Humanity and serve about 25 children.
Lynch hopes the organization will get Immokalee volunteers and also have
free child-care while parents learn about health education.
“The heart of the program is trying to build a community with our
families,” said Lynch, who was named the January winner of the Jefferson
Award for Public Service, sponsored by the Collier County Publishing
Co., publishers of the Daily News and its affiliated newspapers.
Lynch founded Baby Basics in Ridgewood, N.J., in 1992. Since then, it
has grown to 13 sites around the nation.
In 2004, she created Baby Basics of Collier County, which has three
branches in the Naples area: Grace Place in Golden Gate, Habitat for
Humanity and Olde Naples Self Storage.
The organization provides diapers to 193 children in Naples.
The Women, Infant Children program estimates that 1,500 babies would
qualify for Baby Basics.
“That number has probably increased due to the economy,” Lynch said.
Families must be referred to the organization by professional agencies,
including Grace Place of Golden Gate, Neighborhood Health Clinic, Fun
Time Early Childhood Academy, RCMA, Catholic Charities, Boys & Girls
Club and Salvation Army preschool.
At least one parent must be working and the family cannot receive any
federal or state assistance.
Legal status information isn’t part of the documentation received from
referral agencies.
Among other mothers attending the program was Jennifer Martinez, a
mother of six children, ages 11, 9, 8, 5, 2 and 10 months.
“It’s very helpful,” Martinez, 26, said.
Martinez, an Immokalee native, said the program came just in time
because her boyfriend was recently injured and laid off work.
“I’m grateful for the people who help other people out,” Martinez said.
She estimates spending $25 a week for diapers.
On the final day, families enjoyed dinner, including sandwiches,
refreshments and cake.
“What I save on diapers means more food for my kids,” said Mary
Gonzalez, 39, a single-mother of four children, ages 17, 9, 4 and 9
months.
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