Community Members Benefit from Community Resources at Back-to-School Bash
Wellpoint Care Network hosted its 2nd annual Back-to-School Bash on August 10.
More than 2,000 children and families were in attendance to receive free backpacks, haircuts, manicures, a warm meal and more.
Additionally, nearly 40 of our community partners were in attendance to provide invaluable resources.
“It’s important to have our partners present at events like this so that we can expand our continuum of care for our residents, for our clients, for our neighbors, for anybody who’s connected to Wellpoint Care,” said Alex Williams, Director of Community Engagement at Wellpoint Care Network. “We offer a lot of services, but we might not be able to hit every corner of need for people or for residents. This network of partnerships helps us to extend that care.”
One of those partners present at the event was Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
“I think that their presence speaks volumes, because we serve more than 5,000 people on a daily basis,” added Williams. “A lot of those people have young children, and those children have diaper needs.”
Milwaukee Diaper Mission launched in September of 2020. To date, they have distributed more than one million diapers.
“I’m trying to raise awareness of the fact that we exist,” said Lily Grant, operations manager at Milwaukee Diaper Mission. “We are a newer nonprofit. We’ve only been around for three years, so there’s many folks who don’t know yet that we’re here. We are a basic needs bank, so we provide other nonprofits in Milwaukee — like Wellpoint Care Network — with free diapers, wipes and period supplies, in a disposable and reusable option.”
At the Back-to-School Bash, several stopped by the Milwaukee Diaper Mission to inquire about the services available.
“The cost of diapers is going up,” added Williams. “Having a two-year-old, I understand how expensive it can get and how quickly kids go through diapers. So that is always at the top of the needs list for families. When I talk to families, they are grateful we are able to help fulfill those needs.”
If you are in need of diapers or period products, you can head to MilwaukeeDiaperMission.com and find a list of partner organizations.
“And, if you’re a parent who is diapering right now and you have extra diapers that you’re not going to use, or if you’re interested in supporting Milwaukee Diaper Mission by raising money or products, there is information about that on our website as well,” added Grant. “It takes a village to raise a child, so if you are in the position to give right now, we would really appreciate more folks signing up to help us support the families in our community.”
