Learning Histories

B.A.B.E. Mission Statement Infant Stages - Part 1 of 6 First Steps - Part 2 of 6 Growth Spurts - Part 3 of 6 Forming an Identity - Part 4 of 6 The "Real World" - Part 5 of 6 Growing Pains - Part 6 of 6 Click here to download all parts in one file (Rich-Text format 121KB) E-Mail Questions and Comments

Growth Spurts

In its second year, B.A.B.E. grew by ten percent, "selling" 3,877 items. The third year, B.A.B.E. experienced a 43% increase in the number of people served. Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center sponsored a second store in 1993, which opened in South Bend. Based on the partnership already formed between the organization and B.A.B.E., this store also operated out of a Women's Care Center.

In March of this same year, Memorial Hospital granted funds for a part-time coordinator and administrative support, eventually adding a full-time program assistant in 1996. Other funding came from private donations, service clubs, foundations and fundraising.

By the time a third store opened in South Bend in April of 1997, over 85 doctors, clinics, and social service agencies served as B.A.B.E. coupon vendors. Not only had new stores appeared, but more and more segments of the community were a part of the B.A.B.E. program, distributing coupons and using the B.A.B.E. stores as incentives for their clients. "One of the biggest successes I thought," said Julie, "was that WIC breast-feeding classes became full when people found out they could get [B.A.B.E.] coupons."

Indeed, attendance at nutrition and breast-feeding classes sponsored by WIC increased by fifty percent, Patti Meuninck, WIC Clinic Nutrition Supervisor in Mishawaka, verified. "I was here when the program started," Patti said, "It was phenomenal how much word of mouth spread…It definitely made a difference."

In this way, B.A.B.E. supported other community programs, encouraging women and families to seek educational opportunities, decreasing the number of doctor and clinic appointments missed at offices that distributed coupons, and ultimately contributing to the health of children in our community.

In 1998 alone, over 1,600 families made "purchases" at B.A.B.E. of St. Joseph County stores, for a total of 7,873 coupons redeemed. Eighty-five coupon distributors continue to participate in the program today, a number Judy admits may be too many for the most efficient coordination. WIC distributes the largest number of B.A.B.E. coupons of these vendors, followed by a family practice, a prenatal clinic, and two other local family health centers.

Our community has not been the only area to benefit from the growth of the B.A.B.E. program. In 1993, with the help of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies committee, Fort Wayne opened A Baby's Closet (ABC), and Evansville soon followed suit. Neighboring Elkhart County opened their B.A.B.E. store in

December of 1994 with strong volunteer support from the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Committee of St. Joseph County. Indianapolis was the first to bring the B.A.B.E. project to an urban setting, opening at least three stores since June of 1996. The establishment of the B.A.B.E. Network of Indiana, and the development of similar programs in other states, has increased the B.A.B.E. family tremendously.