Cumberland County residents can learn about the work of Plateau Pregnancy Services during an open house Saturday,
Executive Director Sheri Nichols said the non-profit helps with everyday baby needs, including cribs and car seats. Nichols said in order to receive assistance, parents must watch parenting and life skill videos. Nichols said that often times parents ask for assistance in a time of crisis.
“We just kind of sit down and help make that crisis a little bit easier, so I take all that material weight, the crib, and the car seat, and all those things that cost so much money, diapers, wipes, formula we take that burden off of them and let them come in and watched these videos and earn the stuff that they need,” Nichols said.
Nichols said the open house is a great opportunity for parents to share their needs and ask questions about services. Nichols said throughout the years, she has seen an increased need for affordable daycare services in Cumberland County.
“If you know anything about daycare, number one, it’s extremely expensive,” Nichols said. “We don’t have jobs in this area that provide that kind of income, so I’ve got mom and dad both working, and most of their money, I would say a large part of their budget, goes to daycare if you can get your child into daycare.”
Nichols said Plateau Pregnancy Services also helps dads. Nichols said many men are not aware of the services they have access to.
“Look, we are not just for women, we are supportive of men as well,” Nichols said. “We got a lot of dads where the wife or the girlfriend in the relationship she works and he stays home with the kids,” Nichols said. “So he comes in and watches the videos and earns the things to get the stroller or the pack and play or whatever it is they need, so we have to be available for both sexes to raise a baby because moms and dads, they both do that job.”
Nichols said Plateau Pregnancy Services is working with other local organizations to try and address the need for daycare services. The open house will take place on Saturday from 10am-4pm at 99 Walker Hill Street.
