Tuscaloosa’s Baby Steps ‘Open the Doors’ Campaign Needs Your Help

Baby Steps is an expanding nonprofit in Tuscaloosa dedicated to supporting college students who are either resident Student-Moms or community Student-Moms.

The organization aims to empower college students at The University of Alabama facing an unplanned pregnancy by providing support, and a sense of community to University of Alabama students once sufficient funds are raised.

The Fundraising Goal for Baby Steps Tuscaloosa is $250,000

Why Support Student-Moms?

According to the National Library of Medicine, "Over 3 million unplanned pregnancies occur each year in the U.S." A study done by the National Institute of Health tells us that the majority of unplanned pregnancies happen to college-aged women between 20-24.”

College students nationwide are grappling with unplanned pregnancies, yet judgment, stigma, and insufficient resources on campuses and in their communities leave them feeling isolated and unsupported.

Mary Caillouet, Baby Steps Alabama Hub Director, said they have “connected with over 20 Student-Moms on Alabama's campus in need of the resources and empowerment that Baby Steps provides this historically underserved population in desperate need of support.”

Why Support the ‘Open Doors’ Campaign?

“There is an underserved population of college students in need of support on Alabama's campus,” said Caillouet.

An unplanned pregnancy can significantly disrupt a student-mother's aspirations of graduating and earning a degree. However, with the support of Baby Steps, she is empowered to pursue both her education and parenthood.

“This campaign will fund the establishment of a Baby Steps Hub,” said Caillouet. Which assists in “providing a safe, supportive environment where Student-Moms can thrive both academically and as new mothers.”

Assistance Outside of Fundraising

Once Baby Steps at the University of Alabama is fully funded and operational, community members will have numerous opportunities to get involved and offer their support.

Some examples of volunteering opportunities include:

Provide weekly meals for Student-Moms

Share their expertise in financial planning.

Education with postpartum care.

Donate items to furnish the Baby Steps house.

Help with supplies for the Baby Boutique, where Student-Moms can shop at no cost for diapers, wipes, strollers, baby clothes, car seats, and more.

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How to Contribute

Caillouet said by contributing to this campaign, people are helping to “break down barriers and increase graduation rates.”

Donate:

Visit alabama.babysteps.org/donate to make a monthly pledge or a one-time donation.

Spread the Word:

Share the campaign with friends, family, and social networks.