One of Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s ten philanthropic programs, Community Programs, includes Baby Bags, a project where member volunteers stuff onesies, diapers, wipes, teething rings, “chewies,” books, and a toy into literally hundreds of baby bags with assembly line precision. These much appreciated bundles then go to Aspiranet, whose staff members distribute them to hospital identified mothers of at-risk infants and toddlers in West Contra Costa County. In 2015, member volunteers assembled 660 baby bags for infants at risk.
On October 14, Mrs. Odessa Caton, Welcome Home Baby District Director-Aspiranet, addressed member volunteers at the Assistance League of Diablo Valley regular chapter meeting. A veteran professional in the social services community, Mrs. Caton has a Master of Science degree in Developmental Psychology, with a focus on infant and early childhood development. Implementing Aspiranet’s mission, “Raising Hope, Empowering the Community,” Mrs. Caton explained that Aspiranet home visitors do not merely supervise the client families; rather, they partner with them to help the family and the infant bond by screening client mothers bi-monthly for depression, offering a parenting curriculum called “Kids Growing Great,” providing infants and toddlers bi-monthly developmental screening, conducting “Five and Under classes” and celebrating an annual Holiday Socialization Event.
Mrs. Caton further explained that Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s involvement with Welcome Home Baby Bags has a profound effect on the families’ wellbeing. These families struggle with such issues as inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of transportation and documentation and, as a result, isolation. A routine home visit by an Aspiranet staff member holding a bag filled with baby care supplies helps offset these obstacles. One recipient mother commented that knowing people are willing to help her made her feel less alone. Another added, “I wouldn’t have money to buy diapers at the end of the month.” Not surprisingly, the greatest gift of all is a note carefully placed in each Baby Bag that conveys hope and compassion. Mrs. Caton then concluded by thanking Assistance League of Diablo Valley for its ten year involvement with the Welcome Home Baby Bags program.
