Baby Basics of the Peninsula

Program Overview 

Families enrolled in our program attend twice monthly diaper distributions. In addition to receiving a two-week supply of diapers, Baby Basics' ongoing diaper distributions offer our client families an open and caring environment to connect with volunteers, talk about other issues they are facing, or if requested, receive referrals to other supportive services.

We are the only local program providing diapers to working poor parents on a consistent basis. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Baby Basics program, a family must:

• Have a child under age three;
• Live in East Palo Alto or Menlo Park;
  
• Have at least one working parent or guardian;
• Not receive state or federal cash subsidies (welfare); and
  

• Have a household income that does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $39,220 annual income for a family of four).

Baby Basics works closely with local social service agencies or organizations, such as StarVista's Learning Together Program, to identify and screen candidates for our program. 

Diaper Distributions 

Baby Basics holds twice monthly diaper distribution events.  On the first and third Thursdays of each month, from 6:30-7pm, Baby Basics' volunteers meet at the Clinic with client families. 

At each distribution, Baby Basics' volunteers and clients briefly discuss whether the organization is satisfying their babies' diaper needs.  Any requested changes in diaper size or amount are recorded and the appropriate adjustments are made to our diaper inventory.  Baby Basics continually updates its inventory in order to meet the emerging needs of each baby at every distribution. 

Enrollment

Baby Basics pledges support to client families for the duration of their enrollment, often until their child reaches age three.  In order to guarantee an uninterrupted diaper supply, we ensure that Baby Basics has sufficient funding for each new baby prior to enrollment. 

We began operating in September 2006 with a small client roster of babies enrolled in our program.  Since then, Baby Basics has more than tripled in size.  We look forward to continued success as we serve more families in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

 Why I Support Baby Basics...

"I have worked many years with working, low-income families with multiple children and they all have struggled to provide diapers for their children.  There are resources out there for baby formula and some food supply, but there is nothing like Baby Basics.  Baby Basics is dreams come true for the families I work with.  They receive diapers for their children and the stress to provide that need is gone.  This gives an opportunity for a healthy childhood.  Thank you Baby Basics.  Keep up the good work!"

-Lisa Moody 
Early Childhood Parent Educator Learning Together Program           StarVista                                                Baby Basics Referral Agent