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Hello Everyone!
Did you support any causes or charities during Giving Tuesday? Which ones? Let us know!! #GivingTuesday
Thank you, Avery Schlicher, for introducing me to my next guest, Sarah Steinardt.
If you know of a leader who is doing good while doing well, please email me at eric.p.tash@gmail.com or comment here.
Welcome to the Worthy for Thirty Podcast, where remarkable leaders embody success and benevolence. In this conversation, I spoke with Sarah Steinhardt, Co-Founder of Welcome Baby USA. Sarah transitioned from a career in journalism to a passionate mission supporting underprivileged new mothers.
Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and the invaluable impact of Welcome Baby USA.
Sarah's Journey to Changing Lives
Sarah, a former producer for ABC and CNN, discovered a new calling after becoming a mother herself. Her personal experience led her to recognize the daunting challenges faced by underprivileged families in providing postnatal care for newborns. This realization sparked the creation of Welcome Baby USA.
The Birth of Welcome Baby USA
Sarah's epiphany struck during a snowy trip to the pharmacy, just two weeks postpartum. Overwhelmed and in tears, she questioned how families without adequate support manage these challenges. Inspired by the Finnish baby box program, Sarah envisioned a similar initiative for the U.S. In 2019, Welcome Baby USA officially took off, packing essential boxes from their living rooms, and eventually partnering with distributors to expand their reach.
Inside the Welcome Baby USA Box
Each Welcome Baby box contains 200 diapers, wipes, rash creams, feeding essentials, clothing items, baby wash, and more. These items are carefully selected to meet crucial needs, supporting families during those initial months of parenthood.
Collaborations and Impact
Sarah emphasizes the importance of collaboration and feedback. Partnering with healthcare organizations, they maintain open communication channels to understand recipients' needs. Surveys and dialogue with social workers and pediatricians further refine the box's contents, ensuring they cater to essential requirements.
Accessing Welcome Baby USA Support
Families in need can access Welcome Baby packages through hospitals or local clinics. Sarah highlights the critical role of donations in their mission, inviting individuals and corporations to contribute. Partnerships with large companies for in-kind donations significantly impact their ability to provide more boxes.
Looking to the Future
Welcome Baby USA's vision for 2024 involves scaling up to distribute 3,500 packages, targeting more partner institutions across various states. They aim to conduct surveys and studies to showcase the impact of these boxes on families and child development.
Advocating for Change
Sarah discusses the need for systemic change, advocating for government support in providing essential baby care resources. She stresses the significant impact such initiatives can have on maternal and infant health, hoping for progress in policies and awareness.
How You Can Help
Donations and partnerships are crucial to Welcome Baby USA's mission. Donors can contribute through their website and reach out for further engagement and inquiries.
Email Welcome Baby USA with your questions and/or feedback to: info@welcomebabyusa.org
Conclusion
Sarah’s journey from journalism to nurturing new life exemplifies the transformative power of empathy and action. Welcome Baby USA's commitment to providing essential support for new families stands as a beacon of hope, relying on collaboration, feedback, and community support to drive meaningful change in the lives of the most vulnerable.
For more information on Welcome Baby USA and ways to contribute, visit welcomebabyusa.org and join their mission to make a difference in the lives of newborns and new mothers across the country.
Ep. 37 Sarah Steinhardt, Co-Founder, Welcome Baby USA