This summer marked many changes for our diaper bank. While we struggled with staffing shortages and an unexpected turnover, we are thrilled to share that we have hired a new Executive Director, a new Volunteer Manager and are days away from hiring a Distribution Program Manager. Once we fill this role, we will be fully staffed (Yay!).
We are also excited to report the return of our Urban Alliance distributions on the second Thursday of each month. Our renewed partnership will allow our diaper bank to continue to provide resources to southside caregivers in the neighborhood where they live. Additionally, Urban Alliance has generously offered to provide pull-ups at their distribution events, which are always requested by caregivers who are potty training.
Finally, we are proud to share that through a recent partnership with Community Action of Allegan County, who is the recipient of a $3 million grant from the State of Michigan, we are now providing diapers to over 300 Kalamazoo babies at our St. Luke’s distribution events. This partnership not only allows us to provide additional resources to our neighbors who need them, we are able to provide those resources without increasing our operating costs.
You may also notice there is a new office at the church. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has generously provided our executive director with an office on-site. If you would like to connect to discuss donations, diaper drives or potential partnerships, please contact Gracie, our new Executive Director, by phone at (269) 345-8553, ext. 22 or by emailing director@stlukesdiaperbank.org. If you are interested in our volunteer opportunities, please visit our website and complete our info request form or contact Kim, our new Volunteer Manager, at volunteer@stlukesdiaperbank.org.