Page 18 - North Haven Magazine Issue 24 Summer 2022

by Marisa Hexter

The Diaper Bank of Connecticut

If you’ve read or watched the news recently, you’ve heard of the struggles parents are facing when
it comes to the formula shortage, or the increasing prices of necessities including diapers, clothes,
and food for their little ones. But one non-profit organization in North Haven has been assisting
families in need since 2004. The Diaper Bank of Connecticut continues to support families living
in poverty with young children in need of assistance by providing free diapers. Originally named
The New Haven Diaper Bank, DBC recognized a lack of an inadequate supply of diapers, putting
families with children at risk. Since 2004, DBC has distributed 26 million free diapers to families
nationally. Catherine John, Program Coordinator is one part of a wonderful team whose goal is
to continue to provide diapers and period products to families who are in need, helping them to
maintain a healthy life for babies and families alike. Catherine John

atherine began working for The Diaper stories we heard that day were heartbreak-
CBank as Program Assistant in September ing and devastating, to hear the renditions of
of 2021. Having experience in the non-prof- families who were already struggling to get by
it sector in various roles and tasks including and now plagued by having to literally drive
case and quality management, accounting, across the state to find formula to feed their
and human resources, John came into the po- baby. We even heard stories of the difficulties
sition looking not just for a job, but a career. “I getting approved for WIC and the price goug-
wanted a career where I could make real im- ing.”
pact, be part of change and helping improve
lives by providing access to basic essential When not at work, Catherine is invested in
needs and resources, when given the oppor- her community in New Haven. “I do commu-
tunity, I chose this organization because its nity organizing with Black and Brown United
core values are based upon equity, inclusivity in Action. It’s really important to be that voice
and respect as well as an empowering envi- of the voiceless…and it’s my passion to be
ronment for female leadership.” Catherine Standing with the lady herself - Congresswoman part of changing the narrative. It’s important
shares the feelings of having setbacks, be- Rosa DeLauro - we talked about my hair color and now than ever for there to be opportunities,
ing stigmatized and judged; “I’ve faced odds I love that she took my advice, purple is the color of access and representation of Black, Brown,
queens, love her new color!
which I don’t wish on others, it is not easy Indigenous, Disabled and Elderly communi-
being undocumented or Black and Brown in students, and various community organiz- ties. There are many needs which are not at
this country, which was all part of my journey, the forefront which affect these communities
the knee gets heavy on the neck who cannot ers. Some of these include: Jennifer Gaines harshly and make it more difficult for them to
afford to meet needs or have barriers to access and the Alliance for Period Supplies, Jillian afford or have access to basic essential needs.”
Gilchrest, Connecticut Women’s Education
to opportunities and resources.”
and Legal Fund, and Keep the Promise Coali-
tion. She has also received support from Black
and Brown United in Action, Unidad Latina
en Acción, and Reliant Behavioral Health to
name a few.
“My favorite part of my organization is when
we brainstorm and work together to meet
the goal of getting these basic essential needs
met, and being part of the change,” Cather-
Period Prom with Jennifer Gaines from the Na- ine states. Along with working to get free di- Standing in solidarity with Karen Dubois Walton
tional Alliance for Period Supplies, Representative apers to families in need, The Diaper Bank of ED for New Haven Housing Authority as well as
Kate Ferrar, Dr. Chyrell Bellamy, Representative Alexis Brown and Jamie LaRue both of whom do
Mariam Khan, DBCT staff and the students who Connecticut also works on providing period great community outreach
drove the movement products. “I worked on the Menstrual Equity
As Program Assistant, Catherine was com- Bill which is a step toward ending period pov-
municating with community partners in erty, this change affords period products in Catherine John continues to fight to better the
schools, jails and shelters.” The organization
regards to deliveries and deadlines and pro- lives of the underrepresented communities in
vided resources and information sessions. also provides distributions for adult inconti- our area. By working to provide basic health
Quickly she became Program Coordinator, nence products. essentials for all age groups, whether babies,
where she began to see herself in a manage- young people, and adults, Catherine is help-
ment position. “As a Program Coordinator, Catherine has also met with community lead- ing give families and people a sense of dignity
I manage and supervise the warehouse, pro- ers and legislators who are vested and com- when they are most vulnerable, and at a time
vide input and participate in strategizing, mitted to change in Connecticut. Recently, when advocating, representing, and outreach
onboard new partners, prepare and present Senator Richard Blumenthal visited their is at their most essential to help our commu-
reposts and presentation, communicate with warehouse, where a press conference was nities and neighbors thrive.
our various community partners across the held in regards to the formula shortage which
has affected many families across the country.
state, manage projects and programs, facili- If you or someone you know is interested in
tate quarterly meetings with our partners and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Cath- hosting a drive, becoming an event sponsor,
work with our Development team on various erine were part of a roundtable discussion or learning more about this organization, visit
where the voices of Black and Brown people
projects.” Catherine has also participated in www.thediaperbank.org or email info@thedi-
legislative advocacy, meeting with legislators, affected by the shortage were heard. “The aperbank.org for more information.
North Haven Magazine - Summer Issue 2022
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