Community Baby Shower draws 170 to annual event

What started three years ago as a way to connect White County mothers with resources available in their own community continues to grow.

More than 170 people attended the third annual Community Baby Shower on Friday, including more than 50 mothers and mothers-to-be. This year, the White County Health Department partnered with White County UT Extension to host the event, bringing 25 community organizations together in one place.

“Attendance was amazing,” White County Health Department Public Health Educator Ashley Roberts said.

But the afternoon was about more than celebrating new and growing families.

Organizations from across the community filled the event with information, resources, and plenty of goodies for those who attended. Families had the chance to learn more about everything from WIC and breastfeeding support to childcare, early intervention services, mental health resources, food assistance, and other programs available locally.

There was also some hands-on help available outside.

The Sparta Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and iCube teamed up to offer child passenger safety checks. Fifteen car seats were checked during the event and correctly installed to help make sure some of White County’s smallest passengers were riding safely.

Among the organizations represented Friday were Centerstone, Sparta YMCA, Tennessee Child Care Resource and Referral, Volunteer Behavioral Health, Mental Health Cooperative, UCHRA, BonDeCroft Head Start, White County Public Library, Health Connect America, White County Prevention and Recovery Coalition, Tennessee Early Intervention Services, and several programs through the Tennessee Department of Health.

The goal now is to keep building on what the Community Baby Shower has become.

Roberts said organizers hope to continue holding the event each year and see it grow as more local organizations get involved.

And families don’t have to wait for next year’s baby shower if they need help finding a resource.

“Anyone can always reach out to the White County Health Department, and we can assist you with finding the resources you may need,” Roberts said.

Those looking for assistance, or organizations interested in partnering for a future event, can contact Roberts at the White County Health Department at 931-836-2201.