Contact: Nicole M. DiDomenico, Executive Director
(802) 595-7953 /director@goodbeginningscentralvt.org
Good Beginnings of Central Vermont and the Central VT Perinatal Mental Health Coalition to Host 'It Takes a Village' Event May 11th in Montpelier
Families with new babies and young children are invited to join Good Beginnings of Central Vermont and surrounding community partners on Saturday, May 11th for their inaugural 'It Takes a Village' awareness and fund-raising event. This free community event will be held from 12 - 4 p.m. on the State House lawn in Montpelier.
"Becoming a parent or caregiver to a new baby is always challenging, but it has been particularly isolating during and since the pandemic - as well as after last summer's devastating floods," says Nicole DiDomenico, Executive Director of Good Beginnings of Central Vermont. "This event offers a chance for families to connect with each other and build their 'village', while also learning about the many supportive community resources Central Vermont has to offer."
This year's event will have a particular focus on (re)building the 'village.' Recent feedback from families and community partners suggests that the informational and support needs of the Central Vermont parenting community have changed since the pandemic. Moreover, with May being "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month," it is an opportune time to shine a light on the not-always-visible perinatal and postpartum anxieties and mood disorders birthing mothers can sometimes experience.
In response, with Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of Central VT partners and area service providers, Good Beginnings will offer a perinatal 'resource fair' with representatives from local ob/gyn, midwifery, doula, and pediatric practices as well as other health, wellness, and educational resources relevant to this population.
The Family Center of Washington County - along with other nonprofit organizations and agencies - will provide fun, games, give-aways and art for kids and grown-ups alike, as well as information about available family services.
Families are invited to gather on the State House lawn where there will also be: food trucks - such as The Taco Shell, Mo's Backyard BBQ, and Woodbelly Pizza - a caregivers' "wellness tent," a themed photo booth, and presenting speakers recognizing Village members making a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors. Thanks to the Department of Health, the event will also feature both an infant care tent on the lawn as well as a car seat safety check station along Governor Aiken Avenue.
'It Takes a Village' is made possible thanks to support from these wonderful sponsors: UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center, Building Bright Futures, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont.
If your business or organization would like to sponsor this year's event or donate an item to its online auction, or receive updates and event reminders, please contact Nicole DiDomenico at 802-595-7953 or email director@goodbeginningscentralvt.org. All funds raised go towards the Good Beginnings Postpartum Angel Family Support Program.
To keep updated on Village event details, follow us on our Good
Beginnings Facebook page.
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