By LYNETTE SOWELL-STEVENS
Cove Leader-Press
The Stork’s Nest is now open in Copperas Cove and is a new resource for expectant mothers in the Copperas Cove and Central Texas area.
On Friday, Babies ‘N Things, along with Mu Delta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, held a ribbon cutting and celebration to introduce the Stork’s Nest to the community.
Tasha Roberts is the owner of Babies ‘N Things, a consignment shop in downtown Copperas Cove which has been open for 16 years.
She saw a need locally for mothers nearly two years ago, and worked along with the sorority to make the outreach come to life.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Roberts addressed those in attendance.
“We are proud to announce that once a mother successfully completes the Stork’s Nest curriculum, her access to vital resources is continued through our nonprofit Babies ‘N Things Outreach.” Roberts said. “We will continue to provide her with essential gear, clothing, and supplies until her child turns one year old. We are here for the long haul.”
Likewise, Portia Talley spoke, whom Roberts credited with doing the “heavy lifting” to make Stork’s Nest come about.
“This initiative represents represents more than just a new program. They always say that it takes a village to raise a child, and I agree with that. It takes a community to provide the resources, and that’s what this program intends to be. It’s an intentional commitment to changing outcomes for families to ensuring that we have equity in supporting mothers,” Talley said.
“There are a lot of rural communities where they do not have access to prenatal care – imagine having to travel two hours just to get your ultrasound, because there isn’t an OB-GYN close by to you...
“Today marks the beginning of what I expect to be a long-standing partnership between the Mu Delta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and the March of Dimes and Babies and Things Outreach, to make sure that we are making a meaningful difference one family at a time, one expected mother at a time, and together we can ensure that every parent feels safe, supported, and that every child has the opportunity for a healthy start in their life.”
One special guest on Friday was Debra Allen with Hope Pregnancy Center in Copperas Cove, who welcomed the Stork’s Nest. HPC offers free pregnancy tests to confirm a pregnancy so those who need to can qualify for Medicaid, as well as free ultrasounds.
“So much of our medical care is not here, it’s far away, and some ladies just need to know right now if they’re pregnant,” said Allen. “We want to put (the mother) first. That’s our goal, is to put her first, and every client who walks through our building. They deserve dignity, compassion, truth, and excellence. We also want to make every person who enters our spaces to feel seen, safe, valued, and cared for. We bring peace, encouragement, steadiness, and the love of Christ into every interaction.”
Along with prenatal classes for epxectnat mothers and fathers, HPC offers baby clothes and supplies such as diapers for infants up to one year of age.
Allen further addressed what having the Stork’s Nest will mean for expectant mothers in the Central Texas area.
“Medical care is so critical in our area. One of our doctors said we are in a medical desert – is that scary or what?” said Allen. “We’ve had some ladies who go as far as Georgetown for medical care. One even as far as Dallas – that’s ridiculous. So what do you do if you’re in labor? You hurry up to Dallas to have your baby. We want to change that. I am hoping we can get together and we can figure out how to get more doctors here, because that’s definitely something we need. So, it’s exciting. I can’t wait.”
At Babies ‘N Things, a classroom and an area for Stork’s Nest baby supplies is set up and ready for the first class of expectant moms.
Roberts said the class size will be limited to 12, and that they already have a waiting list for the coursework.
On Saturday, June 6, from 2-4 p.m., the Stork’s Nest is holding a community baby shower at the Taste of Cove Food Truck Park, located at 105 West Avenue E, just down the street from Babies ‘N Things.
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