Every Bottom Covered is a diaper bank based in Buffalo, NY, that supports low-income families who need diapers. Through a partnership with the Allegany County Early Childhood Development and Education Coalition, the program expanded into the Southern Tier to help families struggling with the cost of diapers. Since 2021 over 400 local families have enrolled in Every Bottom Covered with more than 400,000 diapers distributed.
One in three families suffers from diaper needs in the U.S. Based on present funding in NYS and many other areas in the United States, families cannot purchase diapers with food stamps. Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to increased health risks and concerns. Diaper need creates additional stress and worries for the family as well. Even in free and subsidized facilities, most childcare centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers. Therefore, many parents cannot go to work or school if they cannot leave their babies in childcare.
“Allegany County families with infants and young children often have diaper needs,” said Robin Fuller M Ed. Early Childhood Development Coalition Coordinator for Ardent Solutions. “Yet, family needs do not end there. Through our partnership with Raziya Hill, Director of WNY Every Bottom Covered Diaper Bank, Allegany and Cattaraugus low-income families are now eligible for a 3 in 1 Baby Booster UpSeat and other baby and infant hygiene and safety products.”
“Due to our collaboration with WNY Every Bottom Covered and their advocacy efforts and business connections, UpSeat, a Canadian business, has donated eight hundred (800) Infant 3 in 1 Baby Booster UpSeats to local agencies throughout Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties,” continued Fuller.
Thank you to the following organizations for agreeing to be an UpSeat participant: ACCORD Corporation, Parent Education Program’s Healthy Families Program, Hornell Area Family Resource Center, Catholic Charities of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, Seneca Nation of Indians’ Health Systems, Southern Tier Healthcare System, Inc., University at Rochester/Jones Memorial Hospital Pediatric Offices, Cuba Cultural Center, and Ardent Solutions, Inc.
Programs like Healthy Families are incorporating UpSeat education and awareness with the families they serve. UpSeat is a portable floor seat that parents can set up to support their baby wherever they go. Understanding a baby’s physical development and how to use a floor seat is important for infant’s posture, muscle development, and strengthening.
“Our collaboration with WNY Every Bottom Covered is opening doors for the Allegany County Early Childhood Development Coalition and families in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties. Opportunities to expand our offerings are underway,” added Fuller. “The Coalition recognizes that women often struggle to afford feminine hygiene products. We are exploring ways to offer these important health products to our community in the near future.”
Families can reach out to Ms. Fuller to learn more about Every Bottom Covered and UpSeat at Ardent Solution by calling 585-648-6022 or emailing at fullerr@ardentnetwork.org.
