CCEVA’s Newport News Distribution connected more than 60 families with baby essentials, food, caring support and a reminder that they were not alone.
On Friday, August 21, families arrived at Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s Newport News office looking for practical help and found a welcoming place where they could choose what their children needed, connect with ongoing resources and feel supported by their community.
At the free diaper and baby clothes distribution, parents were invited to “shop” for diapers, baby clothes, blankets, hats, shoes, toys and school supplies. This welcoming approach offered a dignified opportunity while helping ease the strain on household budgets.
Williamsburg House of Mercy’s mobile food pantry was also on site, providing free groceries extending the day’s support to include family meals. Together, the organizations helped address the pressures of rising costs for diapers and children’s clothing and access to food.
The summer heat was no match for the warmth inside. Staff and volunteers greeted each family with care, helped parents navigate the available items and created moments of relief and compassion amid the stress that families were feeling.
What We Heard
And the support continues after the event!
Before leaving, families also received information about CCEVA services designed to offer longer-term stability. Through pregnancy and parenting support, pregnant women and new parents can receive personalized assistance with immediate material needs, safe and thoughtful parenting plans, and goals related to housing, budgeting, employment, mental health and education. CCEVA staff may mentor participating parents for up to a year as they work toward a strong, healthy foundation for their families.
The combination of essential goods and continued guidance reflects CCEVA’s mission to provide sustainable support and walk with families out of poverty.
This event showed what is possible when community partners, volunteers and supporters come together around our local families in need.