Letter from the Director
As of today, we’ve been open a little over a month. So how is it going? It’s been great! Over the last six weeks, we’ve been steadily gaining popularity. We even have some regulars!
The main word I hear from nearly everyone that comes through our doors is, “Wow!” To be in this space, see it, smell it, and experience it is worth a visit! Did I say, “smell it?” Yep, that’s right. Everything right down to the comforting smells says, “Come on in, you are welcome!”
Parents are enjoying the playroom the most. We frequently have mamas bringing their littles to play and on occasion, a dad or two. Parents and guardians are coming with friends to have a playdate or are meeting new families and creating friendships. They are not only coming to enjoy the bright spaces, the organized toys, and the opportunity to earn coupons, but they are also appreciating that we can enclose our playroom to create an environment that keeps their children from running away!
And what are the kids' reactions? They know exactly what to do the minute they step into the playroom. They go right for the toys; cooking in our play kitchen, building with blocks, and lounging on the large, white ABC rug in the baby area.
The Babe House is a fun space that’s serving our community in the way it was intended. Have you visited lately? If not, come down for a tour! Giving tours of the Babe House is my most favorite thing to do. You’ll be greeted by many smiling faces and lots of busy toddlers!
Katey Till Executive Director
What is Babe of Wabash County?
Babe of Wabash County is a project of the Community Foundation of Wabash County. We serve families with young children who are between the ages of 0-5 years old. We encourage and incentivize families to use the services already established in Wabash County that promote good health, education, and connection. Families can earn coupons by receiving services from partnered community organizations and businesses that promote and offer services that align with our values. They can redeem these coupons in our store for brand new baby items. In addition to helping with a financial need, Babe will also offer classes to families that teach good parenting and life skills, literacy education skills to young children, and financial classes, plus a number of other support groups and specialty classes. For more information about our store and classes, check out our website.
What’s New?
We had a successful Grand Opening! Thank you to all of the guests for joining us as well as all of the volunteers who made the opening a success. It was an evening to remember.
We are now open on Thursdays from 12-6 pm in addition to Tuesdays from 10-4 pm.
Meet Picabo Saunders! Picabo is studying International Studies, Contemporary Dance, and Arabic Language & Culture at Indiana University. She is volunteering her time as an intern each week at Babe to receive insight on running a nonprofit. It’s been a pleasure having her present at Babe and helping us with the ends and outs of running a nonprofit!
Fun crafts are offered each day we are open. Families can earn coupons by bringing their children into Babe to do a simple craft. Last week Mrs. Terrie did a Memorial Day Craft with little ones. It was a messy, good time!
Thank you to Babe of Whitley County for the large donation! This time they gave us boxes of Christmas baby items, brand new Halloween costumes, and more miscellaneous items.
Thank you to Advantage Housing for the large donation of baby carriers, potty seats, and several other items!
What to look for?
Mrs. Lauri Gunderman will be hosting a meet and greet on June 10th in our playroom. She will be meeting with parents to answer their questions about raising children.
We are excited to get the ball rolling on classes. We are asking for suggestions on topics or classes that you think would be relevant and useful to families raising small children. Click HERE to email us your suggestions on classes and groups you would like to attend.
T-shirts are for sale at Visit Wabash. $20 a shirt. All of the proceeds go to Babe of Wabash County.
Matching Grant Opportunity!
Babe of Wabash County is the recipient of a dollar-for-dollar $50,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor that began May 1, 2021, and ends August 31, 2021. For every dollar Babe raises, the donor will match it up to $50,000. All donations will directly benefit families and children, ages 0-5, in Wabash County by providing them with essential items such as diapers and clothing, access to educational programming, and opportunities to build connections with others. Donations to help Babe meet its $50,000 goal should be made out to the Community Foundation of Wabash County with Babe of Wabash County in the memo line.
Reminder
We love and appreciate your donations! We take donations in many forms. We accept new baby items we can "sell" in our store, gently used items we can give away, and cash donations that help us be able to offer programming that makes an impact.
If you wish to donate new items, click HERE for a list of things we could use.
Many people have asked if we accept used baby items. We do, but space is limited. Please call or email us in order to see if we are currently accepting used donations.
Finally, we appreciate cash donations that help keep our facility and programming running. We are 100% community-supported, so your financial support is very important!
Thank you!
Thank you again to all of the volunteers that have given their time and help! We simply can not do this without you! Just look at all of these smiling faces!
Check out our list of community partners who help make our community stronger!
1st Steps Early Intervention
85 Hope Clinic
Area Five WIC
Aubrey the Doula
Bowen Center
Conner Dentistry
Family Optometry
F.I.S.H.
Healthy Families of Area Five
Hoosier Chiropractic
Parkview Wabash Health Clinic/ Dr. Rafael Jose Nunez-Alvarado
Parkview Wabash OB/GYN, Dr. Jonathan Larsen
Playhouse Studio of Dance
PPG/OBGYN/ Shelly Boone
Roann Paw Paw Township Public Library
The Learn More Center
Tobacco-Free Coalition (Mommy and Me Program)
Wabash Carnegie Public Library
Wabash City Schools/ LH Carpenter Early Childhood Center and Wabash High School)
Wabash County Museum
Thank you to our Board of Directors and Committee Members. Board of Directors:
Matt Stone (president)
Susan Street (vice president)
Lauri Gunderman (secretary)
Jeannine Gleason (treasurer)
Sherry Schoening
Justin Vail
Ben Backer
Courtney Backer
Amy LePage
Katie Denger
Committee members:
Lori Franzen
Katie Cromer
Jennie Terrell
Aubrey Till And finally, thank you to all who have supported us with your financial gifts/donations or your kind words and prayers. Contact Information Katey Till Executive Director babeofwabashinc@gmail.com (260) 274-0158 88 West Hill St. Wabash, IN 46992 www.babeofwabashcounty.org https://www.facebook.com/Babeofwabash
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