Capital Region Community Resource Inc. is spearheading a community initiative to support new and expectant parents, transcending the traditional boundaries of a baby shower.

The organization, led by President Kayla Mumtaz, is not only working to provide essential resources but also fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Mumtaz, reflecting on her personal experiences, highlights the inspiration behind the Capital Region Community Baby Shower.

“We typically give out free clothes to the community, and we just saw a need," she said. "As parents ourselves, we were a part of most of these organizations, like WIC, our kids' daycare was C.E.O., and we lived in public housing. So we know the cost of having a child and the struggles. I just wanted to be able to finally, like, give back."

Considering the average cost of giving birth in the United States, which is $18,865, events like these become crucial. Health insurance can cover most of that cost, potentially saving thousands for those with coverage. The event held at the Troy Boys & Girls Club goes beyond being a typical baby shower; it's a gathering that includes all caregivers.

Joseph Mumtaz, vice president of Capital Region Community Resource, emphasizes the inclusivity of the event.

"It's open for mothers, fathers, even those people who may have adopted children, grandparents," he said. "Sometimes there are unfortunate situations where children have to be in the care of multiple different people. And this is a great way to give back for those people who may not know that there's help out there for them.”

Financial strains during parenthood are a universal challenge, as noted by Patty Gordon, a mother of three. She shared her perspective on the crucial support systems events like these provide.

"Just taking off some of that financial strain, whether you're in a higher income bracket or a lower income bracket, everybody's managing their finances," she said. "So it just provides an extra support system and also a good place to bring new and gently used items.”

A study by Lend Edu reveals that the average cost of raising a child during the first year is just over $13,000, while the median cost was $6,000. These events play a crucial role in alleviating the economic pressures that come with the initial stages of parenthood. 

Jessie Corner, a father and grandfather attending the event, underscores the importance of community support, breaking stereotypes about men's involvement in parenting.

“It’s a blessing," Corner said. "It's actually something that everybody should take advantage of, especially when they have kids living in an environment and a time where everything is kind of rough."

Kayla Mumtaz hopes events like this can create a ripple effect across the state for new and expectant parents. For more information about the Capital Region Community Resource organization, you can visit their website at capitalregioncommunityresource.org.