Who We Are- Helping Mamas Knoxville
Motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey that many women embark upon. However, not all mothers have access to the essential baby supplies they need to ensure their little ones grow up healthy and happy. In 2014, Jamie Lackey founded Helping Mamas, a nonprofit organization born from her desire to align her passion for social work with the responsibilities of motherhood. Helping Mamas has a mission that connects mothers in need with those willing to help, addressing the pressing modern-day crisis facing mothers in accessing essential baby supplies.
The Modern-Day Crisis Facing Mothers
Across the nation, mothers are facing a crisis where they struggle to access vital baby supplies. Traditional assistance programs like WIC and SNAP offer invaluable support to low-income families but fail to cover items such as diapers, wipes, pack n’ plays, and car seats. This leaves many mothers in a vulnerable position, unable to provide the essentials necessary for their children’s well-being and development.
The Birth of Helping Mamas
In 2014, Jamie Lackey, with a deep passion for the nonprofit sector and motherhood, took matters into her own hands and thus Helping Mamas was born. Her vision was simple yet powerful: connecting helping mamas with mothers in need. This mission serves as a lifeline for countless struggling families, ensuring that no mother is left without essential baby supplies.
Expanding Horizons: HMK under Tess Frear
In November 2018, Tess Frear took the reins of Helping Mamas Knoxville (HMK), leading the organization on a remarkable journey of growth and impact. Starting from a modest garage, HMK has grown into a thriving organization with a larger office space, enabling them to serve the community more effectively.
Today, HMK supports over 70 agencies across East Tennessee. As the only registered diaper bank within a two-and-a-half-hour radius of Knoxville, their influence extends far and wide. They collect donated items for children aged birth to 14, which are then distributed to partner social service agencies serving low-income families.
Bridging the Gap and Filling Essential Needs
Helping Mamas plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between direct services and basic essentials. By providing crucial baby supplies, we empower families to focus on critical services that can lift them out of poverty. Social workers, freed from the burden of sourcing these essentials, can devote more time to providing direct services to those in need.
With the support of Helping Mamas, families can attend work and school with renewed confidence, knowing that their children’s needs are met. This support not only empowers individual families but also has a positive impact on the community at large, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and care.
By empowering families and supporting social workers, Helping Mamas is creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond individual households. As they continue to bridge the gap between direct services and essential needs, their impact on the community grows stronger, one helping mama at a time.
Want to Make a Difference?
Are you looking for ways to support mothers in need or contribute to this inspiring cause? Consider joining Helping Mamas as a volunteer or making a donation. Together, we can create a brighter future for mothers and their children, empowering families and communities for generations to come.
