HOPE Network Gives Cribs to Needy Families

Keylee Hyde sleeps close to her baby daughter, but not in the same bed. She does not have much money, so she turned to HOPE Network. This group gave her a free portable crib.

The network began the portable crib program because of the recent increase in infant deaths. More babies died than usual while they slept with adults.

“People who share a bed oftentimes live in poverty,” said Laura Hensel. She is the executive director of HOPE Network. She said that this means a greater chance of infant deaths by accident.

Gave away 125 cribs last year
The network gave away 125 cribs last year, she said. It should give away more this year. It relies on donations of money and needs more.

HOPE Network is one of the few groups that offer free cribs, said Judy Fitzpatrick She is a registered nurse with Rosalie Manor. She makes home visits to new mothers who are 19 years old and younger. She said that the mothers rely on HOPE Network.

“The issue of co-sleeping comes up quite often. These mothers have nowhere to put their babies,” Fitzpatrick said. “Some of them .... don’t have the money to buy a crib. The Hope Network is a wonderful resource for us.”

Serves four SE Wisconsin Counties
The network offers education and support for single mothers, said Hensel. This includes baby supplies, group sessions and a quarterly newsletter. It serves mothers in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties.

“They are a godsend,” Hyde said. “They have come through for me in a lot of situations.”
For more information on HOPE Network, the address is P.O Box 531, Menomonee Falls, WI 53052. The phone number is (262) 251-7333. Or go to the website www.hopenetworkinc.org.

Source: Felicia Lynn-Thomas. “Baby can sleep safe with crib donation: HOPE Network helps lower-income mothers.” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 2, 2009. http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/44236022.html