NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — New and expectant parents in Middle Tennessee got access to a wide range of free resources Wednesday at a fair organized by Mental Health Cooperative and Mother to Mother.
Tents, tables, and a sea of car seats greeted the 500 people who signed up for the event. When it opened, moms and dads ran right to the free gear, some valued at hundreds of dollars.
Ashley Russell, who recently moved to Nashville from Memphis, was among those who attended. She snagged a free, gently used stroller for her daughter and the baby she is expecting in March.
Russell spent most of her time connecting with local organizations that could help support her soon-to-be family of six kids. A representative from Metro Action Committee was on hand to explain what families can expect from the Head Start program.
Organizers said the goal was to cover just about everything a growing family might need. Other partners included March of Dimes, Second Harvest Food Bank, Neighborhood Health, and more.
"For our folks who are becoming parents for the first time, or second, third etc., that additional burden can be overwhelming. We want to make sure we're linking them to services," Shaun Womack, an organizer from Mental Health Cooperative, said. "We recognize the need from a parent perspective; there's a host of resources necessary to make sure our kiddos have everything they need."
For Russell, the event offered more than just supplies. She said worrying about her kids can keep her up at night.
"Sometimes. But I have a God, so I put it in his hands," Russell said.
After the event, she has even more peace of mind.
Organizations across Middle Tennessee host distributions and resource fairs like this throughout the year to help support families in need.
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- Carrie Sharp
