WHAT WE DO
Mothers for Others (MFO) supports the well-being of low and limited income families by providing diapers for children from birth to 3 years old. MFO is the largest independent diaper bank in lower Fairfield County, and the only dedicated diaper bank serving the town of Greenwich. In 2021, MFO distributed over 92,000 diapers, its biggest year ever. MFO has set a goal to distribute 100,000 diapers in 2022.
Through MFO's core program, the Diaper Acquisition and Distribution Program, clients receive a package of 50 diapers once a month, which is approximately a one week supply. This is the amount recommended by the National Diaper Bank Network, which found that low/limited income parents reported typically being short about one week’s supply each month.
Most clients receive their diapers through one of MFO’s partner agencies. MFO has agency partnerships with Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Malta House, and Person to Person to distribute diapers, and works with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut for diaper acquisition.
In addition to the monthly distribution to registered clients, MFO provides diapers on an emergency basis in three ways:
Through MFO's core program, the Diaper Acquisition and Distribution Program, clients receive a package of 50 diapers once a month, which is approximately a one week supply. This is the amount recommended by the National Diaper Bank Network, which found that low/limited income parents reported typically being short about one week’s supply each month.
Most clients receive their diapers through one of MFO’s partner agencies. MFO has agency partnerships with Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Malta House, and Person to Person to distribute diapers, and works with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut for diaper acquisition.
In addition to the monthly distribution to registered clients, MFO provides diapers on an emergency basis in three ways:
- To parents or caregivers in need of diapers who make the initial contact directly with MFO, rather than through an agency partner. Any parent or caregiver who reaches out to MFO for diapers is given a one week supply of diapers, and guidance on the appropriate agency to register with for ongoing services.
- To human service organizations with irregular but urgent need for diapers. This includes the YWCA Greenwich and Kids in Crisis for children in temporary housing situations, and the Rising Hope Resettlement Group for children who are evacuees from Afghanistan.
- Responding to crises in the community that demand support for basic human needs. An example of this is following Tropical Storm Ida in September 2021. MFO held a Diaper Distribution Day, at which any family with a child in need of diapers could come and receive a supply of diapers.
WHY IS OUR WORK IMPORTANT?
MFO provides a critical service to young families, and is an essential partner of various human service organizations throughout lower Fairfield County.
Having access to a sufficient supply of diapers is critical to the physical and mental well-being of babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. An ample supply of diapers means children are at far lower risk of health issues that can be caused by a lack of diapers, such as diaper dermatitis (severe diaper rash), and staph and urinary tract infections. When children are dry and healthy, they are able to consistently attend day care, they sleep better, and they cry less often. With the assistance of a week’s supply of diapers each month, parents and caregivers avoid going into debt to pay for diapers, can use income or benefits for other needs (rent, food, clothing), go to or look for work, or attend school or job training. There is a mental health benefit, as well – when parents and caregivers have a sufficient supply of diapers, they report a reduction in stress, depression, and anxiety, and an improved sense of capability in caring for their children.
Having access to a sufficient supply of diapers is critical to the physical and mental well-being of babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. An ample supply of diapers means children are at far lower risk of health issues that can be caused by a lack of diapers, such as diaper dermatitis (severe diaper rash), and staph and urinary tract infections. When children are dry and healthy, they are able to consistently attend day care, they sleep better, and they cry less often. With the assistance of a week’s supply of diapers each month, parents and caregivers avoid going into debt to pay for diapers, can use income or benefits for other needs (rent, food, clothing), go to or look for work, or attend school or job training. There is a mental health benefit, as well – when parents and caregivers have a sufficient supply of diapers, they report a reduction in stress, depression, and anxiety, and an improved sense of capability in caring for their children.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
There are many ways you can support MFO in its mission to provide diapers to every family who needs them.
1. You can make a donation to our Virtual Diaper Drive, which helps us buy diapers at wholesale costs and get them to the families in need
2. You can support us when shopping at amazon.com or minted.com, and we will receive a percentage of your purchases
3. You can host a Diaper Drive through a community organization you are affiliated with
It takes the support of our whole community to get diapers to local families. Thank you for being part of our work!
1. You can make a donation to our Virtual Diaper Drive, which helps us buy diapers at wholesale costs and get them to the families in need
2. You can support us when shopping at amazon.com or minted.com, and we will receive a percentage of your purchases
3. You can host a Diaper Drive through a community organization you are affiliated with
It takes the support of our whole community to get diapers to local families. Thank you for being part of our work!
