This month, CAP Utah celebrates a significant milestone, our first year with the Diaper Distribution Pilot grant! Launched by the Office of Community Services, this initiative addresses the critical need for diapers and diapering supplies and supports low-income families across Utah.
This grant is crucial to empowering families and individuals to escape the cycle of poverty. Lack of diapers can keep parents from being able to take their children to daycare, thus causing them to miss work and lack of diapers and diapering supplies can cause health issues for children.
Impact in Numbers
Over the past year, we have provided essential diaper supplies to 1,426 families, supporting 1,852 children. Among these, 144 children have special needs and 398 are in childcare. By alleviating diaper scarcity, we help mitigate health issues such as rashes and infections, ensuring that children can thrive in a healthy environment.
Community Insights
Many families face financial strain, often reducing spending on essentials and experiencing stress about affording diapers. In fact, 669 families reported often reducing spending on essential needs due to diaper scarcity, and 608 families are often stressed about having enough diapers. These challenges highlight the importance of our work and the need for continued support.
Families adopt various coping strategies to manage diaper scarcity. Some borrow diapers or money from friends and family, while others stretch their diaper supply by keeping children diaperless longer than recommended. Our program aims to reduce these burdens and provide consistent, reliable support to families in need.
A Year of Support
Our efforts extend beyond diaper distribution. We connect families with broader economic mobility and family support services, including job training, educational support, and housing services. By integrating these services, we aim to address the root causes of poverty and help families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Diverse Reach
Our recipients come from diverse backgrounds, with 83% identifying as female and many households speaking multiple languages. This diversity underscores the widespread need for support across various communities. We are committed to serving all families, regardless of their background, and ensuring equitable access to resources.
Collaboration and Gratitude
This initiative would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, partner agencies, and supporters. The Utah Diaper Bank, the Little Lambs Foundation along with local Community Action Agencies such as Utah Community Action, Community Actions Services and Food Bank, Open Doors, Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government, and Five County Association of Governments, have been instrumental in making this program a success.
We also extend our gratitude to the State Community Services Office and the Governor's Office for their continued support and recognition of Community Action Month. Their partnership and commitment to addressing poverty in all of Utah’s 29 counties have been invaluable.
As we reflect on this year, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported this initiative. From volunteers to partner agencies, your dedication has made a significant impact on the lives of many Utah families. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community.
Join us in celebrating this achievement and continuing our mission to support vulnerable populations across Utah. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive.
