WMBCTV: Community Baby Shower Brings Hope to Expectant Mothers

Spring is a season of renewal and community members are planting seeds of hope for expectant mothers in need - one baby shower at a time. The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House is hosting community baby showers throughout the Spring to celebrate moms-to-be who need a little extra support, reminding them that no one has to face motherhood alone.

“And the idea came because many of our items come from parishes and people donating new baby items so I said ‘let’s turn around and give these items to our mothers and have a baby shower for them,’” said Cheryl Riley, Director of Respect Life Office/ Mercy House, Archdiocese of Newark. “Just to give them hope that it’s okay to have their babies and they’re going to get the support that they need.”

Each expectant mom that attends receives a gift bag full of baby supplies. While organizers say this is a place for women to find support and resources, some of the expecting mothers say they’re grateful.

“The community is trying to help,” said Mom-To-Be Tanisha Frazier. “This right here is awesome, it’s amazing because now I have something to go off of. This is her first blanket and I’m excited about it. I can’t wait to go home and share it with everybody in my home so it means a lot to me because now I know if anything, I can come here and get the help if I really needed to.”

Organizers say the support doesn’t stop after the pregnancy. Volunteers are on hand to connect new mothers with ongoing resources after the baby arrives.

“We have a front row seat to miracles here and we see these babies and we watch them grow and come back and that’s what we’re about,” said Cheryl Riley, Director of Respect Life Office/ Mercy House, Archdiocese of Newark.

The next Mercy House community baby shower will take place in Elizabeth on June 4th at 11 a.m. The Mercy House offers year-round support with food, clothing as well as job and housing referrals — serving around 300 people each week.