On April 9, 2011, I decided to lend a helping hand by volunteering at Newark Now's 2nd Annual Family Success Community Baby Shower that was held at the Robert Treat Hotel. After walking in and being greeted by Chesha Hodge, Director of Newark Now’s Family Success Centers, I went straight to work. The place was beautifully decorated with pink and blue balloons. There were big jumbo gift bags filled with bottles, clothes, diapers, and toiletries given to all the mothers that were attending the event. Information tables were set up by organizations with services in health, counseling, and financial assistance.
According to the press release on Newark Now's Facebook:
The 2011 Community Baby Shower was organized by Newark Now’s Family Success Centers. The Family Success Centers provide local mothers with the tools, resources and information to provide themselves and their children with the best pre and post-natal support so as to encourage the development of strong Newark families where children can grow and thrive.
Newark Now’s Family Success Centers connect more than 1,000 of Newark's most challenged families to vital government and non-governmental services and resources and coordinate 15 Family Success Centers citywide.
With the success of last year’s inaugural Community Baby Shower, which celebrated 67 mothers, Newark Now’s Family Success Centers have dramatically expanded this year’s event to include more than 300 mothers and two-dozen partnering organizations.
Newark's Mayor Cory Booker came through to greet all the mothers. This man presence is always warm and charismatic. He talked with the families in attendance; tried to take some babies with him (lol); particpated in the raffles; and as always, give everyone in the crowd a vision of hope with a speech.
I had a pleasure of meeting two expectant mothers who will be receiving a donation from Adora's Magic and I plan on doing so more often for other mothers as paying the Family Success centers a visit each month. Chesha Hodge did a wonderful job coordinating this event. The companies who participated in the Baby Shower Drives at their work places gave their all to these mothers. I do plan on volunteering my time more to these Family Success centers in the near future.
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Photography Credits: Anthony Alvarez
Press Release Contact: Sam Hobish, shobish@skdknick.com
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