This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
Family Futures is a nonprofit that works to create communities in which all children achieve their full potential. We do that by supporting children and strengthening families just like yours. Our programs focus on children under age five. We work with parents to understand their children’s development, supporting them every step of the way and connecting them to resources when needed. When we all set up children and families for success, communities thrive.
Family Futures is providing Pack n’ Plays and car seats to eligible families in Kent County to wrap up National Baby Safety Month. Parents and caregivers enrolled in Medicaid automatically qualify, but those at certain income levels without Medicaid can still qualify.
National Baby Safety Month emphasizes the importance of providing families with safe, quality products for their baby and the knowledge of how to use the products properly. According to MDHHS, a Michigan baby dies every 2-3 days due to sleep-related causes. Also, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages one to 13. Family Futures is passionate about distributing Pack n’ Plays and car seats in hopes saving of the lives of Michigan children.
“Proper safe sleep and car seat education is critical – it can be the difference between life or death,” said Emily VandenBos, Early Childhood Community Coordinator for Family Futures. “We hope that we can make a difference in the lives of as many families as possible through this important effort.”
To receive a Pack n’ Play or car seat, parents can go to familyfutures.org/safe-sleep or call the Family Futures office at 616-454-4673. When families pick up either item, a trained staff member will show them how to properly set up the item and answer any questions they may have.
If a family doesn’t qualify for a car seat, Family Futures still offers car seat checks to parents interested in making sure their baby is riding safely. The organization has a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on staff that is available by appointment.
Family Futures is able to provide these items for families thanks to the generous support of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. To learn more about the millage, go to firststepskent.org/millage.
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