Community Baby Shower Wish List | Cape and Islands United Way

Community Baby Shower

In the spirit of a traditional baby shower, the Community Baby Shower is a celebration for new and expectant mothers. The purpose of the event is to serve low-income families with access to the valuable local resources to help give them a stronger start to parenthood.

Note: This is a private event for families in need. We do rely on the generosity of our donors to fulfill our wish list of shower gifts and resources.

COVID-19 Update

Due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic, we did not hold a public event this year. But resources are needed now more than ever – as such, we hand delivered baby supplies and educational materials to our families in July. READ MORE >

BACKGROUND

In the fall of 2016, the Cape and Islands United Way formed a multidisciplinary team of local experts to brainstorm how we could “get upstream” of the challenges we face as a community – including substance abuse, mental health, food insecurity, financial instability, and an adequate work force -- by addressing the needs of our youngest children. The factors contributing to our community challenges are complex and interconnected. But we know that:

Investing in young children is an investment in future productivity and public safety that can return as much as $8 for every $1 invested.

Family environments are critical in determining education, skill, motivation, persistence, and self-control. Growing numbers of children face adverse environments that restrict their development.

STATISTICS

In Barnstable County, the challenges of poverty and achievement are at the forefront.

13% of Cape Cod's children live in poverty. Many more children are suffering from emotional poverty.
Children from low income families are exposed to 30 million fewer words than their higher income peers by age 3.
30% of the Cape’s children are not reading proficiently by grade 3.
The first 3 years of life are the period of most rapid brain growth.