Joseph (age 20) and Meadow (age 17) recently visited Infant Crisis Services, needing diapers, formula, and food. As young parents, they struggle to make ends meet and provide for their two sons. Their 3 month old “just flies through formula” so that even with WIC benefits, their supply never lasts the whole month. Add in buying food for a 2 year old and diapers for both boys, and the expenses add up quickly. Joseph is currently working, but has lost two previous jobs because of layoffs during the pandemic. Without a steady paycheck, he says their account is often overdrafted and they can’t buy diapers and formula when they need them.
Despite the current challenges, this young family is determined to make it together. When Meadow found out she was pregnant at age 15, she knew it wouldn’t be easy. “But being together as a family is the most important thing,” she said, “and we want our boys to know they are loved and safe.” Part of that family security means making sure their needs are met, so sometimes they turn to Infant Crisis Services. “Without you guys, I wouldn’t know what to do,” said Joseph. “Do you like to be stressed? I don’t. Being a parent is hard enough, so this really helps.”
Sometimes diapers and formula mean so much more. Diapers mean that a family can stay together. Formula means that babies are safe and loved. When you give to Infant Crisis Services, you are giving so much more! Thank you from Joseph, Meadow, and all the babies and toddlers we serve.
2020 was a big year, thanks to YOUR impact!
Mission Moment with Miki
As we’re approaching one year since the COVID-19 global pandemic began, I am in awe of all we have accomplished over the last 12 months. Infant Crisis Services provided food, formula, and diapers to a record number of babies and toddlers in 2020. Together, we served 24,969 clients in crisis. That’s a 46% increase in clients served from the year before!
There’s good news and bad news wrapped up in that statistic. I’m very thankful we’ve been able to help so many families during these difficult times. Unfortunately, we don’t know when this crisis will end. We’ve really never seen another deep, sustained crisis like this that affects so many families.
So I want to say two things. First, thank you! YOU are the reason Infant Crisis Services still exists, providing assistance and hope to children in need. Your support is amazing. Second, we still need you – probably more than we ever have. Your financial and in-kind gifts help sustain our mission – to keep babies’ bellies full abd their diapers dry. Thank you for graciously prioritizing the babies in this time of great need.
Our staff works hard to fulfill our mission, no matter the circumstances. When the need is greatest, we are able to provide the most help. We promise to be here every week, taking care of babies and toddlers until every baby has a full tummy and a dry diaper.
Always for the babies,
Miki Farris, Executive Director & Co-Founder
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Bluff Creek
11301 N. Meridian
1-Mile Fun Run @ 8:30am
5K + Trail Run @ 9:00am
Register online at www.infantcrisis.org/run
Exercise AND help the babies!
Infant Crisis Services’ Teen Associate Board is proud to host the 3rd Annual Baby Steps 5K & Trail Run! New this year is the addition of a 10K trail run on the Bluff Creek trails. It’s a perfect option for anyone ready for a new challenge!
We are planning to host this outdoor event safely. However, staff is monitoring the latest pandemic developments and are prepared to shift to a virtual event if necessary. If you’re more comfortable staying close to home, virtual “Run at Home” registration is also available now. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome, including strollers. Register yourself, your family, or a group now! Sponsorship opportunities are still available – please email Danielle Smith at daniellesmith@infantcrisis.org with questions.
Looking for ways to help from home?
Share Our Newsletter
Double the reach of this newsletter by sending it on to a friend.
Shop our Amazon Wish List
Our most needed items are wipes, sippy cups, and bottles. Click here to shop.
Volunteer
Wanting to involve the kids? Volunteer as a family to make donation packs! Click here for instructions.
Create a Birthday Fundraiser
Facebook makes it easy to set up a birthday fundraiser to benefit Infant Crisis Services.
Support Our Mission
Click here to donate.
Help another mother this Mother’s Day!
For a suggested donation of $20, you can send a Mother’s Day card to your loved one and support babies and toddlers in need! Click here for more information.
Give a little love to the babies and toddlers this month when you shop at Uptown Grocery Co. and Buy For Less on NW Expressway. These stores will be accepting donations at the register as well as baby items from our in-store wish list until March 8th. We appreciate new store owners Pruett’s Food for continuing this annual campaign to help the babies! Shop and donate now at these locations:
Uptown Grocery – 9515 N May Ave, OKC
Uptown Grocery – 1230 W Covell Road, Edmond
Buy For Less – 3501 NW Expressway, OKC
What’s new at Infant Crisis Services?
2021 Young Professionals Board
Congratulations to our 2021 Young Professionals Board – we can’t wait to see what you accomplish this year!
Chair
Libby Howard
Vice Chair
Doug Brown
Secretary
Alexa Lienhard
Bingo for Babies
Co-Chairs
Taylor Langley
Whitney Lopez
Board Liaison
Phillip Mazaheri
Members
QuaNetta Broom
Kristina Byrd
Katie DeMuth
Allison Dumas
Emily Ellis
Lindsey Fry
Kelsey Gilbert
Jason Hall
Jason Hogsett
Samantha Hutchison
Randi McLain
Mithun Mansinghani
Scott Melson
MaryKate Miller
Michael Myers
Nicole Papac
Krishan Patel
Erin Randall
Tommy Renouard
Khaki Scrivner
Zackary Smith
Annie Stuart
Natalie Turner
Our Most
Needed Items
Bottles
Wipes
Sippy Cups
Please drop off donations at our donor door!
Mon – Fri 9am – 4:30pm
4224 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Or check out our full Amazon wish list here!