On May 21st at Vern Burton Community Center, the Clallam Perinatal Mental Health Task Force, chaired by First Step, hosted the first annual Community Connection Baby Shower, a resource fair that promoted the well-being of our community by celebrating expecting and new families. Participants met local providers, learned skills to strengthen their emotional well-being, developed social connections, and tapped into educational experiences to help them along their journey into parenthood.
Participants attended classes for family communication strategies, a question and answer session with OB providers, parenting and fathering tips, an introduction to breathwork, wellness and self-care, and pelvic floor strengthening. Car seat checks were also available in the parking lot at Vern Burton. Also offered were free diapers and supplies for babies, a photo booth, and door prizes.
60 individuals from partnering agencies attended and hosted a booth and/or an activity with an additional 11 volunteers from the community. Not only did local agencies have the opportunity to meet new families and provide resource connections, but they also gained stronger relationships across the family support network in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
Program Manager Kelsi Millet thanked community partners, stating, “We would like to thank community partners for the collaborative efforts put forth in successfully creating and implementing the Community Connection Baby Shower! Over 98 families attended the event. Your expertise and partnership are what made this successful. Thank you for investing in the well-being of our community & families. It has been a pleasure working on this project with each of you and we look forward to continued collaboration.”
The Clallam Perinatal Mental Health Task Force meets quarterly to increase community capacity to address perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. To join a meeting or to learn more, email Kelsi Millet at Kelsi_fstep@olypen.com.
