What We Do
Mothers for Others supports the well-being of low and limited income families by providing diapers for children from birth to three years old. It is the largest independent diaper bank in Fairfield County, and the only dedicated diaper bank serving the town of Greenwich.
Mothers for Others works in partnership with Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, the Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Kids in Crisis, Malta House, Person to Person, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, the YWCA Greenwich and The Diaper Bank of Connecticut to serve nearly 600 children a month.
Through MFO's core program, the Diaper Acquisition and Distribution Program, clients receive a package of 50 diapers every month, which is approximately a one-week supply. This is the amount recommended by the National Diaper Bank Network, which found that low and limited income families typically report being short by about one week’s supply of diapers each month.
Most clients receive their diapers through one of MFO’s partner agencies: Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Malta House, and Person to Person. MFO also provides diapers on an emergency basis in three ways:
1. To parents or caregivers who make the initial contact directly with MFO. Any parent or caregiver who contacts MFO and states a need for diapers receives a one week supply, and a referral to the appropriate agency to register with for ongoing services.
2. To human service organizations with irregular but urgent need for diapers. This includes the YWCA Greenwich and Kids in Crisis for children in temporary/emergency housing situations. It also includes the Rising Hope Resettlement Group, which resettles families who are evacuees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
3. Through Community Diaper Distribution Days, in which MFO staff and volunteers bring carloads of diapers to a central location, such as an affordable housing association, and distribute diapers. Anyone who comes for diapers also receives information on how to obtain diapers on a regular basis. This is a new program in 2022, and MFO has held three successful events in Greenwich already. MFO plans to hold one more in 2022, and is seeking to hold these events in other communities, as well.
Mothers for Others works in partnership with Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, the Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Kids in Crisis, Malta House, Person to Person, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, the YWCA Greenwich and The Diaper Bank of Connecticut to serve nearly 600 children a month.
Through MFO's core program, the Diaper Acquisition and Distribution Program, clients receive a package of 50 diapers every month, which is approximately a one-week supply. This is the amount recommended by the National Diaper Bank Network, which found that low and limited income families typically report being short by about one week’s supply of diapers each month.
Most clients receive their diapers through one of MFO’s partner agencies: Children's Learning Centers, Family Centers, Greenwich Department of Human Services, Inspirica, Malta House, and Person to Person. MFO also provides diapers on an emergency basis in three ways:
1. To parents or caregivers who make the initial contact directly with MFO. Any parent or caregiver who contacts MFO and states a need for diapers receives a one week supply, and a referral to the appropriate agency to register with for ongoing services.
2. To human service organizations with irregular but urgent need for diapers. This includes the YWCA Greenwich and Kids in Crisis for children in temporary/emergency housing situations. It also includes the Rising Hope Resettlement Group, which resettles families who are evacuees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
3. Through Community Diaper Distribution Days, in which MFO staff and volunteers bring carloads of diapers to a central location, such as an affordable housing association, and distribute diapers. Anyone who comes for diapers also receives information on how to obtain diapers on a regular basis. This is a new program in 2022, and MFO has held three successful events in Greenwich already. MFO plans to hold one more in 2022, and is seeking to hold these events in other communities, as well.
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.
