MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dozens of Orange Mound families are now prepared to raise their children, following a free event that gave them free access to helpful resources.
Memphis police officers spent part of the morning checking car seats, making sure they’re safe for the tiny lives they are designed to protect.
The free service was just one of the things parents and soon-to-be parents could get help with at a community-wide baby shower in Orange Mound.
“I’m really nervous about labor. But other than that, I’m ready for my son to come; I’m ready to see him,” Shavon Lewis said.
Lewis is due to give birth to her son in just two months. She’s ready, but she said, “I’m a first time mom, I want to get everything I can get.”
Lewis stopped by to learn more information about parenting.
“You can never be too prepared,” mom Jullicia Atkins-Blackman said.
Blackman already has a 3-year-old at home but also wanted to take advantage of the resources at the community-wide baby shower.
Organized by State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, the event gave away car seats, diapers and clothing and also helped families gain access to housing, jobs and college programs. Hardaway hopes this event will help combat the high infant mortality rate in Shelby County but also pointed out this program is important because it’s the first time an event like this has ever been in the Orange Mound neighborhood.
“Access can make or break a program,” Hardaway said.
“There are a lot of people in Orange Mound who can’t afford things, and the community coming together for support, it’s a great thing,” Atkins-Blackman said.
Organizers hope to host a similar event in the future.
