Throughout the month of May, MSM employees participated in a Baby Drive to collect brand new baby items for the YWCA’s Young Parents Support Services (YPSS) program. Coordinated by our Shipping Manager, Kim Kusak, we collected everything from disposable diapers to bibs, and baby shampoo to blankets to stock the program’s one-of-a-kind Baby Boutique. 

The YPSS program helps pregnant and parenting teen girls succeed in life by encouraging them to complete their education, while learning how to manage the responsibilities of parenthood and make the right choices. Last year alone, the program worked with more than 250 local teen moms to provide them with the support that they needed as they planned for the future. 

Aside from the assistance and education provided by YPSS, program participants also have the chance to earn items from the Baby Boutique. “The boutique is a small room that has been set up for teen moms to go in and shop for items for themselves and their babies,” says Mary Lou McCloud, Director of Young Parents Support Services. “It’s set up as an incentive program. The students earn ‘baby bucks,’ which can be used to purchase items in the boutique.” 

The timing of MSM’s Baby Drive couldn’t have been more perfect, and YWCA staffers were able to stock the Baby Boutique with our donations and distribute the items to those experiencing the greatest need. Our generosity and continued support was very much appreciated by the YWCA, especially YPSS program staffers. 

To learn more about the YWCA and the Young Parents Support Services program, go to www.ywcarochester.org.