Community Baby Shower in North Philadelphia Offers Support and Resources
In a world where raising a child can often feel like an overwhelming task, the saying “it takes a village” has never felt more relevant. On Saturday, a community baby shower in North Philadelphia aimed to make the journey of parenthood a little smoother for new parents. The event, held at Temple University, brought together hundreds of families and offered resources, support, and a sense of solidarity to those starting this new chapter.
Kanika Force-Carter, a mother of three, attended the event and shared her personal experience with the challenges of parenting. Recently, she welcomed her youngest child, Kingston, and expressed how the support from the community has made a significant difference in her life.
“Having the support from the community eases the pressure of being a mom,” she said. “It takes a lot of stress off of you by giving you the resources needed so you can accomplish your goal of being a good parent.”
This year marks the fourth edition of the event, which focuses on promoting maternal health and wellness for new mothers while also providing practical resources to help them succeed as parents. For many, the event is more than just a celebration—it’s a lifeline.
Carter highlighted the financial strain that comes with raising a family today. “These days, even working two jobs and having a man, it’s hard,” she explained. “Rent is triple what it was when I was able to stay home and breastfeed my last two, so just having things like this really helps.”
At the heart of the event were the small but essential items that new parents need. Diapers, formula, and clothes were given out free of charge, ensuring that families could focus on their well-being without worrying about basic necessities.
The event was organized through a partnership between Pennsylvania State Representative Sharif Street, Temple University, and various community organizations. Street emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of maternal mortality, which continues to affect Black and Brown women at higher rates.
“Part of that is lack of connection to resources, so we want to connect,” he said. “We were intentional being in a zip code where those disparities are high.”
Over 80 vendors participated in the event, offering a wide range of services and information. One such vendor was Vera Thompson-Jenkins, who represented Breastfeeding Awareness and Empowerment. She provided educational resources to help new moms navigate the challenges of breastfeeding.
“Because again, maternal health is our goal, to make sure our babies and our communities… that we’re growing, we’re thriving, that we are getting the best maternal care as possible,” Jenkins said.
For parents like Carter, the impact of the event goes beyond the immediate benefits. It’s a reminder that they are not alone in their journey. The support from the community makes a huge difference in their lives.
“It makes a huge difference,” she said, reflecting on the value of the event and the people involved. “It’s something that really helps.”
