Hyannis, MA — The Cape and Islands United Way has completed their 4th annual Community Baby Shower, having served 63 families on Cape Cod and Nantucket: the most families to date. The Community Baby Shower is a welcoming celebration that brings joy to all Cape Codders and connects the community in a loving way.
Started in 2018 by the Cape and Islands United Way group, Women United, the Community Baby Shower is a celebration for new and expectant mothers. This event serves low-income families and provides access to valuable local resources that will help give these families a stronger start to parenthood. With nearly 15% of the Cape’s children living in poverty, this annual Baby Shower helps give children a stronger start by providing essential supplies and resources.
In Barnstable County, the challenges of poverty and achievement are at the forefront. Children from low-income families are exposed to 30 million fewer words than their higher income peers by age 3, and 30% of the Cape’s children are not reading proficiently by grade 3. Knowing that the first 3 years of life are the period of most rapid brain growth, family environments are critical in determining education, skill, motivation, persistence, and self-control; yet a growing number of children face adverse environments that restrict their development.
In response to these statistics, the Cape and Islands United Way and Women United along with the support of volunteers and sponsors have worked hard provide baby essentials, supplies and resources directly to 63 families, including 4 families on the Nantucket whose packages were hand-delivered by the team of A Baby Center.
The annual Baby Shower brings out the humanity of people across Cape Cod and the Islands, and this year was no exception. In addition to many volunteers, several corporate sponsors including Granite City Electric, Cape Cod 5, Premier Companies, and 99.9 the Q offered to help with the deliveries of these new parent essentials. Additionally, this event would not be possible without the help of community partners who help connect the United Way with families: A Baby Center, Health Imperatives, and Sandwich Partnership for Families.
The 2022 Community Baby Shower has closed, but if you or someone you know could use support with your new baby, please reach out to A Baby Center in Hyannis to see what assistance may be available.
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