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

The "Real World"

"Ain't nothing free in this world," said Denise Smith, a B.A.B.E. customer, "...In fact, you start talking about free, and people want you to shut up...Everybody has to work."

Denise ought to know. Mother of six children that range in age from two to sixteen, Denise has been stopping in at B.A.B.E. stores for years. She believes the coupon system is an effective method of getting families things they need, and that because people must earn their coupons, the program is fair.

There is no income restriction for the B.A.B.E. program. Theoretically, anyone who goes to a vendor agency and participates in activities that earn coupons may redeem them. "Anybody that needs an incentive can earn a coupon -- people who are practicing healthy behaviors," said Judy.

However, the large majority of coupon distributors work with a low-income population, and that's the most important determiner of B.A.B.E. customers. Program staff agree that in general B.A.B.E. reaches a population that seems to need and want what the program has to offer. And because the program is not limited to serving only a certain income level, it may be easier to avoid stigmas about what kind of program it is, concentrating on education and healthy family development -- things that are important for everyone in the community, regardless of income.

"I think it helps out," a B.A.B.E. customer said, about the Chapin Street store she visits, "I'm a single mom and I think a lot of people are...It's very helpful to people in the community who struggle. It gives an incentive to improve."

Other single moms agreed, citing the difficulty of getting a house ready for a baby on your own. They recognize too, the challenge of being prepared in other ways.

"When I was pregnant, I was terrified I wasn't going to be a good mom," said Susan Kapsa, B.A.B.E. customer, "[Program assistant] Bea is such a big help. If I'm not sure what I need, someone's been here to help…and they teach you how to care for the baby and offer support if you need it."

"We are starting to see more men," said Bea, but the majority of B.A.B.E. customers remain women. Still, as the real world changes, so does parenting, and the B.A.B.E. program may be the first to say that the project may never finish growing up.