• Families enjoyed more than 20 vendors during an Oct. 26 community baby shower sponsored by Catholic Social Services’ Northeast Family Service Center. The vendors helped connect families to various parenting resources.

  • Prizes at the Oct. 26 community baby shower.

  • Expecting moms and parents with young children enjoyed parenting classes, refreshments, and a sense of community during an Oct. 26 sponsored by Catholic Social Services’ Northeast Family Service Center.

  • Expecting moms learned infant swaddling techniques at an Oct. 26 community baby shower sponsored by Catholic Social Services’ Northeast Family Service Center.

Posted October 27, 2022

Approximately 30 expectant mothers and parents with young children were treated to a special afternoon thanks to a community baby shower hosted by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services (CSS) at its Northeast Family Service Center (NEFSC).

The Oct. 26 event featured games, raffles, parent and nutrition education, light refreshments, and a sensory trailer for young children in attendance. More than 20 vendors were also on hand at the event to help connect families to various parenting resources.

The joint effort was made possible thanks to CSS staff, volunteers, and several community-based partners. Guests also received free produce courtesy of Nutritional Development Services, an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

According to Beth Wood, administrator for CSS’ NEFSC, events like this let clients “enjoy the company and socialization” of other new parents.

Young women and mothers regularly turn to CSS for emotional support and essential parenting resources needed to best care for their families.

In 2021, 3,905 women across the five-county metropolitan area benefited from free and comprehensive support services through CSS’ Beautiful Beginnings program with CSS serving 1,877 pregnant clients and 2,028 clients who are the parents of newborns, infants, or young children.

In addition, approximately 8,400 diapers and essential baby items including baby food, maternity and baby clothing, car seats, and baby furniture were distributed to families in need in 2021.

CSS regularly hosts community baby showers as part of its broad range of support for families.

“The Community Baby Shower was a great success,” said Wood.