Julie Viche knows well the challenges that new moms face and the cost burden that baby supplies can bring to a household. She and her husband Ray adopted twin granddaughters as babies when their mother could not care for them. Today, the girls are busy teen-agers in the early stages of learning to drive.
“When the babies joined us, the cost of diapers was just outrageous,” Julie recalled.
This experience drew Julie, then newly retired from her computer drafting career, to volunteer with LCSNW’s A Family Place Diaper Bank and Clothing Closet in Newberg, Oregon. Parents and caregivers in need can visit weekly for diapers, baby wipes and children’s clothes. The national average for baby supplies ranges from $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the region.
In addition to baby supplies, A Family Place provides therapeutic preschool and parental support at three Yamhill County locations.
Julie enjoys volunteering so much that she hasn’t missed a week since she started giving her time in 2023.
“It’s just so fun and rewarding,” she said. “I especially like getting to know families over time. I have one two-year-old who runs to me when he comes in and we go over all the pictures on the diaper boxes and laugh and giggle together.”
Julie said the most important thing that any of us can do for new parents is to not judge their circumstances.
“My husband and I didn’t look like we needed help at face value, and we did. We want all families to feel welcome and supported.”
