About Us

Stork’s Nest is a community‑based maternal and infant health program that combines education, incentives, and basic‑needs support to promote healthy pregnancies and early childhood well‑being. It provides prenatal/postnatal education, baby supplies, food assistance, and a structured incentive system that rewards positive health behaviors and program engagement.

Program overview

The program serves expectant parents and families with young children, especially those facing financial and social barriers. It offers a safe, welcoming environment where participants can learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting while gaining access to practical resources such as baby items and food. The goal is to reduce stressors that negatively impact maternal and infant health and to connect families with ongoing medical and social support.

Educational component and baby shower incentive

Stork’s Nest offers a series of structured educational modules on topics such as prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, safe sleep, infant care, maternal mental health, and parenting skills. Participants earn points or incentives for attending each session, completing modules, and maintaining recommended health appointments. Upon successful completion of the full education series, participants are celebrated with a community baby shower that recognizes their commitment to learning and healthy practices. At this baby shower, families receive additional baby items, layette bundles, and other essentials, creating a joyful, dignified milestone that reinforces the value of education and consistent engagement.

Stork’s Nest “store” component

The Stork’s Nest operates a small “store” or boutique where participants can redeem earned points for baby and maternity items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, hygiene items, and other essentials. Access to the store is tied to participation in educational sessions, keeping prenatal and pediatric appointments, and other positive behaviors. This incentive model helps offset the cost of baby supplies for low‑income families while encouraging sustained participation in health and education activities.

Food pantry component

The food pantry component addresses food insecurity for pregnant women and families with infants and young children. It provides nutritious staple foods and, when possible, fresh items that align with the nutrition guidance covered in the educational classes. By integrating food assistance with the Stork’s Nest store, families can address both infant‑specific needs and broader household nutrition in one visit, supporting healthier pregnancies, better infant outcomes, and reduced financial strain.

Community healthcare partnerships

Stork’s Nest is strengthened through partnerships with local healthcare providers and clinics. Collaborations with Temple Community Clinic, Baylor Scott & White PBGYN, and Waco Family Medicine – Temple help identify and refer pregnant individuals and new parents who can benefit from the program. These partners may:

• Refer patients directly into Stork’s Nest for education, incentives, and material support.
• Coordinate prenatal and postpartum care with the program’s education schedule.
• Provide space for outreach, joint events, and enrollment.

Through these partnerships, Stork’s Nest becomes an extension of the local healthcare safety net, ensuring that medically vulnerable and low‑income families have both clinical care and wrap‑around support—including education, baby items, food, and community celebration through the baby shower experience.