Project Stork receives $19K grant for diapers, baby care in Genesee, Orleans

Provided photos: Project Stork provided these photos of its setup on Webber Avenue in Oakfield.

OAKFIELD – Project Stork has been awarded a $19,000 grant from the East Hill Foundation for infant and toddler programs that assist with basic needs in Orleans and Genesee counties.

The funding will help pay for diapers and other baby care needs, said Jenny Staebell, director and founder of Project Stork.

She started Project Stork in 2016. It is based at 20 Webber Ave. in Oakfield, which she said is accessible to families in the two counties, particularly the highest need communities of Albion and Batavia.

The non-profit organizations serves 200 low-income mothers in Genesee and Orleans counties. The grant from East Hill will allow Project Stork to provide free monthly diaper and baby care packages.

“Mothers share that they worry about not being able to change their baby’s diaper often enough,” Staebell said. “We are not only providing supports and resources, but education as well. There is a direct correlation between a mother’s maternal wellbeing when their child has their basic needs met. Simply put, diapers and other needed infant and toddler care supply can create positivity within a household.”

Access to diapers has been an under-recognized need, Staebell said. There is no federal assistance for diapers. SNAP and WIC benefits can not be used to purchase diapers. While diapers can be bought with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, less than a quarter of families living below the federal poverty level receive TANF, Staebell said.

Project Stork appreciates donations as well as drop offs of diapers, baby wipes, baby soap and lotion. For more information, go to www.projectstorkinc.org or call Project Stork at (585) 590-6626.