Question 1

What is Babe?

Accepted Answer

Babe of Wabash County has three goals:  to promote good health, education, and relationships with families in Wabash County who have children between the ages of pregnancy and five-years-old.  We believe that in order to have a successful community, success starts at home.  We also believe that our greatest service to the people of Wabash County will be by providing support, guidance, and mentoring opportunities that help educate parents on good parenting skills and healthy lifestyle practices. Babe mission is building community connections to provide educational, physical, and emotional resources and support for families in Wabash County.

Question 2

How does Babe promote good health, education, and connection?

Accepted Answer

The first way we promote these values through an incentive based program.  When families visit the doctor for well-baby check-ups or they go to the library for storytime, they will receive a coupon that is worth $5 in value.  Families can take these coupons to the Babe Store and redeem them for baby items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, furniture, and other much needed baby/toddler items.  While at the Babe Store, families will enjoy connecting with other families through our classes, playdates, support groups, and other relevant activities.  The second way that we promote these values is through relationship and education.  When a family walks through the doors of Babe, we begin by creating a relationship with them.  We connect them to resources in our county that they may not know about that will help support good health and education as they raise their children.  We also provide educational opportunities through storytime, art classes, and other educational opportunities.  Babe is connected with Purdue Extention, Parkview Hospital, and Area Five Programming.  More educational opportunites will be created as we continue to expand and grow our organization.

Question 3

Who is able to partake in these services?

Accepted Answer

Babe is a county-wide service.  Anyone who has children between the ages of 0 to 5-years-old.  Pregnant women are also eligible to receive services.  Babe is not income based.  All families of all income levels and backgrounds are welcome!  We do not discriminate against race, gender, religion, sexuality, or age of the parent.  Services may begin at pregnancy but will end as soon as the child turns 5.

Question 4

What types of items does Babe carry?

Accepted Answer

All of the items in our boutique are brand new!  Coupons can be redeemed for:
Diapers
Wipes
Baby Personal Hygiene Products
Clothing; including socks and underwear
Cribs
Crib Mattresses
Strollers
Car Seats
 Bottle drying racks

Question 5

Can I purchase anything with money?

Accepted Answer

No. All items offered in the boutique can only be obtained by earning coupons issued through different vendors partnered with Babe. You can earn coupons by participating in Babe's programming or playing in our playroom. A list of vendors and the coupons' backs will be posted on our website.

Question 6

Does Babe accept or sell used items or food?

Accepted Answer

Babe will accept gently used items and leftover unused diapers. All second-hand items are given away for free in our Sharing Room. We do not accept any food items. If you are in need of formula, check out F.I.S.H. or the Life Center. Anyone is welcome to take clothing or items from our used section in our Sharing Room. There is no limit on the number of items that can be taken. Patrons can come every day we are open.  We accept open diaper packages, provided that the diapers are unused and in their original condition. This way, we can ensure the safety and hygiene of the items we distribute.   We do not give out coupons in exchange for donations. The coupons are part of an incentive program for receiving services in our community.

Question 7

What activities does Babe offer that allow me to earn coupons?

Accepted Answer

Our Thursday morning activities are a unique blend of diverse topics and flexible schedules. Starting at 10:30, these classes are designed to cater to various interests. We curate a full set of monthly activities, ensuring a fresh and exciting learning journey for everyone. We have an educational reading program. This program is designed to help parents feel more confident reading to their children, picking out age appropriate books, and asking educational questions. Parents are able to earn a coupon for participating and engaging with their children.Another exciting program that we offer are online parenting classes. Thanks to a generous grant from the Lily Endowment Foundation, Babe is able to offer an evidence based parenting course through Brightpoint. Visit Babe and ask us how to get involved with these!As we continue to grow, develop, and gather a more significant following, the program side of Babe will continue to evolve. We started small, but with your support and feedback, we are confident in our ability to adapt and improve. We are committed to setting up programming that not only fits the needs of our community but better fits the needs of the families we serve. Stay tuned to see how we continue to grow and develop, always with your needs in mind.

Question 8

How do businesses in Wabash County benefit?

Accepted Answer

Businesses in Wabash County benefit from partnering with Babe because they are promoted through the voucher system.  
 
When families come to Babe, we liken our system to going to the arcade. We ask them to consider going to the arcade and playing the games. Once they have played a game, they receive tickets. Once finished, they take all their collected tickets and turn them into the prize booth. We explain to families that we are like their adult prize booth. However, instead of getting penny candy, they get things they need for their babies.  
 
People's looks when they hear "Adult Prize Booth" are incredible! Usually, their first question is, "Where else can I go to get coupons?"
 
Babe is, in every sense and purpose, a store. The only difference is that you cannot use cash to purchase items. You must collect coupons to get the things you want and need. You cannot use cash! And we have a REALLY COOL boutique. When people finally understand what we are and how we can benefit them, they want to collect the coupons.  
 
Therefore, the coupon program creates a desire in families to follow through with appointments, attend storytime at the library, attend parent-teacher conferences, and take their kids to the museum. Parents are paid for doing what they should already be doing as good parents. And now, businesses are reaping the benefits of having more business. We're helping companies and organizations serve the community.
 
Need more evidence? Between April and August 2021, Babe issued 1,700 coupons to businesses and organizations. By October 2021, Babe had given out an additional 4,300 coupons to companies and their clients. Within three years, vendors have passed out over 15,000 coupons, and Babe has served over 300 families in and outside Wabash County. The program is working! People are seeking opportunities to collect more coupons.

Are you interested in becoming a vendor? Contact our Community Outreach Coordinator, Amy Kissel, at amy.kissel@babeofwabashcounty.org.

Question 9

How does Babe of Wabash County benefit the community?

Accepted Answer

Babe strengthens our community by helping families build healthy, connected, and stable lives.We provide families with essential baby and toddler items through an incentive-based program while also creating opportunities for families to learn, build relationships, and connect with local resources.By bringing families, community organizations, and local resources together, Babe helps create a stronger support system for families in Wabash County. We believe that when families are supported and connected, the entire community becomes stronger.

Question 10

How is Babe funded?

Accepted Answer

Babe is 100% community-supported and grant funded. We depend on supporters like you to donate both funds and items to ensure we can promote good health, education, and connection.You can donate with cash, check, or credit card. Here is a secure link to give online through our account at the Community Foundation of Wabash County: https://cfwc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3508We can also send you an invoice through the Square.Our address isBabe of Wabash CountyPO Box 54Wabash, IN 46992All donations receive a thank you letter and a tax receipt. For more information about becoming a financial partner, contact us at info@babeofwabashcounty.org or katey.till@babeofwabashcounty.org.

Question 11

Can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, we’d love to have you!  Volunteer opportunities are always in need. If you are wanting to make a difference in the lives of local families, you're in the right place! To learn more get stared, give us a call, stop by Babe, or email Katey at katey.till@babeofwabashcounty.org. All volunteers must submit an application and a background check for the safety of our littlest patrons.

Question 12

Can I live outside of Wabash and still use Babe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with some restrictions. Let's clear up the eligibility-- outside residents can only earn coupons with some of our vendors. Certain vendors are located outside of Wabash County but are the only service providers (for their area of focus) for Wabash. Examples of these providers include Healthy Families and First Steps. Only Wabash County residents can earn coupons from partnered vendors whose headquarters are outside of Wabash County. If a vendor is located inside of Wabash County, then anyone both inside and outside can earn coupons for services.

Question 13

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Babe of Wabash County is located at the corner of Hill and Miami St in Wabash, IN. The address is below.
 
88 W. Hill St.
Wabash, IN 46992

Question 14

Do you offer childcare?

Accepted Answer

No.  Babe is a facility that nurtures the connection between parents and children for the child's benefit.  You must remain with your child at all times.  Children can not be left unattended in the playroom or any other area of Babe.

Question 15

How does Babe promote good health, education, and connection?

Accepted Answer

Babe promotes good health, education, and connection through incentives, relationships, and educational opportunities.Families can earn coupons by participating in activities that support their child’s health and development, such as well-baby check-ups and library storytime. Coupons can be redeemed at the Babe Store for essential items like diapers, wipes, clothing, furniture, and other baby and toddler needs.Babe also builds relationships with families and connects them to local resources and support. Through programs such as storytime, art activities, sensory activities, support groups, and community partnerships, we provide opportunities for families to learn, connect, and grow together.

FAQ's

What is Babe?

How does Babe promote good health, education, and connection?

Who is able to partake in these services?

What types of items does Babe carry?

Can I purchase anything with money?

Does Babe accept or sell used items or food?

What activities does Babe offer that allow me to earn coupons?

How do businesses in Wabash County benefit?

How does Babe of Wabash County benefit the community?

How is Babe funded?

Can I volunteer?

Can I live outside of Wabash and still use Babe?

Where are you located?

Do you offer childcare?

How does Babe promote good health, education, and connection?