Beds And Britches, Etc.

Our Mission

To provide quality new and used children’s clothing and equipment to families in a manner fostering responsibility and self-esteem.

B.A.B.E. has no political or religious affiliation; it is committed to the following goals:

• To increase awareness, utilization and compliance with maternal and child health services which will result in optimum pregnancy outcome and well-child health.
• To increase self-esteem and self-sufficiency through a coupon earning system.
• To encourage personal responsibility by requiring standards for coupon earning.
• To leverage community volunteerism and support.
  

How B.A.B.E. is Funded

• Staffing: Memorial Hospital
  
• Inventory: Memorial Hospital
  
• Space: Women’s Care Center
  
• Fund Raising Luncheon: Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and Memorial Health Foundation help defray cost

B.A.B.E. is a Comprehensive “Incentive” Program That Includes a Child Safety Component

Program Components

• Provides tangible incentives to encourage families to nurture healthy babies and children.
• Sells furniture car seats and equipment in addition to “new and gently” used children’s clothing.
• Provides safety education on all furniture items.
• Staff are Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
  

Store Locations

• Healthy Family Center
  201 Lincoln Way West
  Mishawaka, Indiana
  
  
• WIC
  325 N. Lafayette
  South Bend, Indiana
  
  
• Women’s Care Center
  907 E. LaSalle
  South Bend, Indiana

Tours available, please call 574-239-2223 to schedule

The B.A.B.E. Story

How we began… (Details in the Learning Histories section)

Who Uses B.A.B.E.?

• Single Moms
  
• Teen Moms
  
• Fathers
  
• Families
  
• Foster Parents
  
• Grandparents
  
• Those New To Country

What Do B.A.B.E. Stores Offer?

• Clothing
  
• Cribs, High Chairs
  
• Car Seats
  
• Diapers, Blankets
  
• Misc. Items
  

Types Of Services that Earn Coupons for Redemption

• Prenatal Care
  
• Parenting Classes
  
• WIC
  
• Support Groups
  
• Immunizations
  
• School-Based Programs
  

Why Use B.A.B.E?

• Clients learn about B.A.B.E. from doctor’s offices, friends, P.A.T., WIC, Women’s Care Centers, etc.
• Clients like B.A.B.E. because they can “purchase”
  items their children need, stores are clean, offer
  cents-off coupons, convenience, helpful staff.
• Clients have gotten involved with breastfeeding classes, parenting classes, prenatal care, WIC, P.A.T., and school programs.
• Clients benefit from using B.A.B.E. by being better
  able to provide for their families when funds are low, save money by using B.A.B.E. coupons, and participate in educational classes.
  

How Do our Clients Purchase items from B.A.B.E.?

Coupons are used for purchases

• Earned by Attending Classes
  
• Prenatal Care
  
• Well Child Check-Ups

Coupon Distributors 90 + Distributors Physicians Clinics Social Service Agencies

Steps to Become a Coupon Distributor

• Complete An Application
  
• Application Submitted to Advisory Board
  
• Approved Or Denied
  
• If Approved, Becomes a Distributor
  

Where Do We Get Our Merchandise?

• Established Accounts At Wholesale Level With COSCO, EVENFLO AND GERBER
• Purchase In Quantity
• Buy GENERIC
• Shop Clearance
• Piggyback with Other BABE Stores To Comply With Minimum Order Requirements

Community Support

• HOSPITALS
  Space, Staff, Fundraising
  
• VOLUNTEERS
  Sales Clerks, Warehouse
  
• ADVISORY BOARD
  Policy Guidance, Fund Raising
  

How Can You Help?

• HOST A SHOWER
  As easy as placing a collection box in your office or place of business. B.A.B.E. will pick-up.
  
• PURCHASE A TABLE AT LUNCHEON
• MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
• VOLUNTEER
• DONATIONS
  Gently used clothing, books and toys
  

Join in the Fun

Fund Raising LUNCHEON

Fall, 2002

• Currently Planning
  
• Involves local celebrities
  
• Annual Diapering Duel Contest
  (Defending champion – Mayor Luecke)
  
• Community Baby Shower

Future Plans

• Larger, Street Level Storefront In Mishawaka
  
• Store In Southwestern St. Joseph County
  
• Interactive Computers
  
• Educational Classes
  
• Store In Center For The Homeless

Summary

• Incentive program started in St. Joseph County
  
• Program replicated in 17 other counties in Indiana and in Colorado and Virginia
  
• Top Items Distributed: Car seats, Clothing and Diapers
  
• Redeemed record number of coupons
  in 2001, 15,139, up 62% over Year 2000