Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
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Diaper Ministry

The Diaper Ministry was born from a vision of Father Andrew in 2018, and an initial grant assisted in providing the necessary funds to begin the ministry at Church of the Epiphany.  The diaper ministry helps those in our community who cannot afford diapers for their children and assists with supplementing those needs.  Our efforts for the diaper ministry go a long way to ensuring that these children have a healthier start in life.

The first diaper distribution at Church of the Epiphany served 17 families.  Today we are serving between 65 and 70 families each month.  This ministry has grown tremendously.

 

 

Did You Know?

  • Diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps or through WIC (Women, Infants and Children).
  • 1 out of every 3 families struggle to afford diapers and 22% of all children under five years old in the U.S. live in poverty.
  • If a family cannot afford Diapers, a baby may spend extended periods of time in the same soiled diaper, which can lead to bacterial skin infections.
  • Diapers cost an average of $75-$100 per month

 

What this means:

  • In poor and low-income families, a baby can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health and abuse risks.
  • Low-income parents cannot take advantage of free or subsidized childcare if they cannot afford to leave disposable diapers at childcare centers. If parents cannot access daycare, then they are less able to attend work or school on a consistent basis. This in turn leads to increased economic instability and a continuation of the cycle of poverty.

 

You can help!

 

The diaper distribution is held the third Saturday of every month at The Church of the Epiphany, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and more than fifty families have been consistently served each time. Please, help us continue to provide help to these families.  There is a need in our community. For more information, contact epiphanyrvaparishnurse@gmail.com.