If you attended college, you likely remember the shoestring budget that you were on. Housing, books, food, gas, and the occasional (at least, that’s what you told your parents) night out would add up before you knew it. Imagine if you also had a family to feed and diapers to buy. Even if you cut back on your expenses, the cost of raising young children would continue to rise. What would you do?
Freshmen at Carroll University were shocked to hear that most clients of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee make less than $12,000 annually, putting their college expenses into perspective. Recently, Catholic Charities teamed with freshmen from Carroll University for a diaper packing event at United Way’s Milwaukee office. The two groups often collaborate for Carroll’s Freshman Day of Service and enjoy it when they can support United Way’s Diaper Bank. Jessica Brandt, Parish and Volunteer Coordinator at Catholic Charities, spoke about diaper needs in our community and what it means to be a Diaper Hub.
“We are so excited to be a Diaper Hub,” she said. “It really impacts all of our programs, especially our Child Welfare, Pregnancy and Parenting Support, and Supported Parenting programs.”
These programs at Catholic Charities help educate, prepare, support, and strengthen
expectant mothers and families, typically who are at or below the poverty line. The agency serves all ten counties of southeastern Wisconsin, which includes connecting their Diaper Hub to Washington and Waukesha Counties in addition to their location in Milwaukee County. Since they partner with their local parishes, Catholic Charities can meet people in need where they live and work.
“No questions asked. Your baby needs diapers,” Jessica said. “Parents shouldn’t have to decide whether it’s time to change their baby’s diaper or not because they’re low on diapers.”
Catholic Charities has been a Community Partner of United Way for decades, and a Diaper Hub since our Diaper Bank opened. Receiving funding from United Way for some of their programs has allowed them to continue to support the community on an ongoing basis. They post volunteer opportunities through the Volunteers United web portal, where many of their volunteers come from, and participate in United Way’s annual Holiday Giving Tree.
“It’s just been a wonderful partnership,” Jessica said. “All these things help us to better serve the community. Being able to serve over 50,000 people a year is just so impactful. We have a shared vision, and we can make a difference.”
Sharing their philanthropic efforts with Carroll University freshmen is always a special time for Jessica and Catholic Charities. When the students learn how great the need for diapers is, they understand that the need is not just a one-time thing that their neighbors in poverty are experiencing. Trying to mentally stretch a minimal college budget with the added, needed expense of diapers lets them connect better with and support their community.
“It’s about treating people with dignity and respect. People shouldn’t feel bad for needing services,” Jessica said of Catholic Charities. “To be a Diaper Hub and having support allows us to continue to be in their corner when they might not have it somewhere else.”
You can also be in the corner of someone who is experiencing diaper need by hosting a supply and collection drive, sponsoring a diaper packing event, or by making a financial contribution towards the purchase of diapers and wipes. Your support ensures that Diaper Hubs like Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to continue to provide at-risk families with one of the most basic needs for the health of their infants and toddlers: diapers.
