Judy Kramer
Contributing Reporter
According to www.nbc.25.com, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show the average consumer prices for items like baby formula, canned baby food, and diapers all increased in the past two years. But help is available to Benton County families who struggle with the ability to pay the high prices for their infant’s needs.
Crossroads Family Ministries at 1220 Commercial Street in Warsaw runs a pregnancy resource center for pregnant women and those with small children. The organization gives diapers when first asked, and formula if it is available. Crossroads also offers free classes to help with knowledge in various stages of pregnancy and parenting and helps with things needed for baby and beyond. Each class allows clients to accumulate credits through the Earn
While You Learn Program which can then be used to acquire diapers and other baby and child supplies from the Crossroads’ Thrift 4 Life store.
“Our classes are one on one and include subjects such as prenatal, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, child development, parenting, and bible studies,” said Crossroads Director Tammy Paulsen. “Items available in Thrift 4 Life include baby-related items as well as clothing for children and things for homes.”
Paulsen said that Crossroads is pro-life and offers free pregnancy tests and pregnancy options counseling. It is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call (660) 438-9140 or go to https://crossroadsprc.wordpress.com for more information.
The Benton County Health Department WIC Coordinator Bonnie Etter reported that the cost of formula is indeed up and that breast feeding supplies are expensive. She said that a breast pump costs $200 and more. However, a free breast pump is available to those on WIC from the Health Department, as well as infant formula. Clients are given EBT credit cards to use when purchasing pregnancy and infant needs.
“In August, we saw an increase by 28 new moms in the area, not including the ones we already serve,” said Etter. “We work together with Crossroads to help pregnant women and their babies.”
The Health Department is located at 1238 Commercial Street and can be reached at (660) 438-2876. It is open during weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Basic for Families, located at 1651 Commercial Street, distributes clothing and diapers to local families who need them. They serve children from 0 to 18 years of age, and presently help about 170 children.
“We get donations from different organizations and are able to order what we need,” said JoAnn Ruble, Executive Director of Basic for Families. “We get diapers from the Changing Table out of Osage Beach, and seldom run out. The Salvation Army sends a lot of our clients to us.”
This organization is open from 10:00 AM. to 4:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday, and 10 AM to 2 P.M. on Wednesday. It can be reached by calling 660-223-1867.
The Salvation Army, HeadStart Program and Parents as Teachers are other organizations that interact with each other to help children in the county. Any of the above-described agencies should have access to a free resource guide for help in Benton County.
