Motherhood isn’t easy. Fortunately, some local moms have taken the initiative to help out other moms. For Bridget Cutler and the aptly named Moms Helping Moms foundation, that means providing other moms with diapers, wipes and other baby supplies.
Started in 2011, the Moms Helping Moms foundation focuses on supplying low-income families with bottles, books and—most importantly—diapers. Moms Helping Moms works through a number of partner agencies, such as HomeFirst of Plainfield and Sierra House in East Orange, to provide low-income mothers with diapers and other supplies. These partners focus on housing and personal development for women, with Moms Helping Moms serving as a diaper and baby supply bank.
“We believe that taking stress off of a mother makes her a better mother,” says Cutler, the executive director and founder of Moms Helping Moms. “We aim to help families be successful, raise their kids in a healthy way and just relieve stress.”
Cutler, a mother of two who lives in New Providence, was moved to help out after reading an article about a mother who, lacking proper resources and out of options, was forced to give up her child for adoption.
“Being a mom is the hardest job in the world,” she says. “I was fortunate, and [my family] was financially stable.”
Cutler recalls having an abundance of both new items and hand-me-downs from her family, more than she needed. After gathering her own items, she worked with friends to collect their used clothes, furniture and other baby supplies. She looked at local non-profits who work with new mothers, but found they did not have the capacity to store all of her materials.
Joining up with some more new moms, Cutler concocted a new plan. In the beginning they held free yard sales aimed at aiding families in need of strollers or some wipes. Though they are a bit more conscientious with who receives supplies today, in 2016 they were able to help 1,000 families in need in Union, Essex and Hudson counties.
Currently, they have launched their Dollars for Diapers campaign right in time for Mother’s Day. The goal is raise $10,000, which will be able to provide 100,000 diapers for families in need.
Those who make a donation by May 7th will receive a hand-written card to give to the mom in their life on Mother’s Day morning.