The atmosphere at Operation Hope was filled with excitement and anticipation at a Fellsmere Community Baby Shower hosted by the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition that featured an afternoon of celebration, education and support.
The event, which brought together expectant and new parents from across the county, highlighted the mission of Healthy Start to provide a local system of care that optimizes the health of moms, babies and their families.
The nonprofit had invited community partners to share information about the various free programs and services available to residents of the county.
“They weren’t just coming in to get something free from a collateral standpoint, but also free education,” explained Megan McFall, IRC Healthy Start CEO.
She explained that representatives were on hand from agencies that provide free childbirth education classes, programs and services ranging from prenatal care and breastfeeding to safe sleep practices and early childhood development.
“It’s about connection and building a community where every family can truly thrive. Our goal is to ease the burden that comes along with parenting and the struggles, and knowing that we can be that network,” said McFall, adding that events such as these foster that support.
“Every child deserves a joyful beginning and every parent deserves to know that they’re not alone.
We were hoping to show Fellsmere and the rest of the Indian River community that we love, support, and believe in strong families, and we want to help support that and be a part of building a stronger community,” she explained.
In addition to free lunch and an informational video about Healthy Start programs, attendees had a chance to enter a raffle for necessities, including car seats, strollers, highchairs, gift cards and other essential items.
There was also a performance by the Learning Alliance’s Lullaband, which creates opportunities for families to bond through music. Additionally, the Learning Alliance brought along its Moonshot Reading Rocket and distributed free books to the children.
Older siblings enjoyed the day having their faces painted, dancing amongst soap bubbles, and getting a glimpse at one of the Indian River County Fire Rescue engines, before the firefighters needed to leave for an emergency.
Earlier in the week Operation Hope had hosted its annual Back to School Bash, distributing backpacks and supplies to more than 1,000 students from kindergarten through high school.
Operation Hope also serves as a food and grocery distribution point for those in need, hosts an annual ‘Turkey Giveaway’ prior to Thanksgiving, and gives away truckloads of toys at Christmas donated by local community groups, such as members of the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club.
For more information, visit IRCHealthyStartCoalition.org, or OperationHopeFL.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
