United Way and partners host community baby shower, March 17

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-410-3417
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2007

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PONTIAC – United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Success by 6® will host a community baby shower on March 17. The event brings together 25 nonprofit agencies in Oakland County to educate and support parents and their children.

“The community baby shower is a day that benefits all families,” said Victoria Martinez, manager, United Way’s Success by 6®. “It’s a great way to spend a day as a family, learning, having fun, and interacting with other parents and children.”

The baby shower will offer information sessions and demonstrations on topics such as safe sleep, prenatal and infant healthcare, and selecting appropriate childcare. There will also be exhibits and information about developmental milestones for children, infant feeding, early literacy and it’s importance to a child’s development, and socio-emotional well being of parents. This is the fifth Success by 6® baby shower. They are held twice a year in north and south Oakland County communities.

WHAT: Success by 6® Community Baby Shower

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Summit Place Mall (on Telegraph and Elizabeth Lake Rd., in Waterford) Begins in front of Ruby Tuesday and proceeds to Grand Court

The event will:

• Provide resources, education, support, and intervention for pregnant women and parents or guardians of young children in Oakland County.
  
• Encourage positive parenting practices and strong family and community support.
  
• Serve as a forum for expectant and new mothers to network with other parents for support and information sharing.

United Way’s Success by 6® is an initiative within United Way’s Agenda for Change, which focuses on making measurable change in this region in three core areas: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs. The initiative is a partnership that brings together families, government, schools, nonprofits, and other resources to ensure children enter school ready to succeed. Research shows that 90 percent of a child’s brain is developed from birth through age five. United Way knows that if children do not get proper developmental and educational support from birth through age six, they will start school behind their peers and encounter problems throughout their lives.

For more information on resources for children and families, call 2-1-1 or 800-552-1183.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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