Sarah Vetter, LISW
Director of Child and Family Services
In a quiet corner at Catholic Charities office, a mother holds her newborn in one arm while reviewing her budget with the other. She had expected to pay rent with her savings over maternity leave, but quickly found her funds were falling short. She’s not alone. She’s one of thousands who have sought help through Catholic Charities Mother and Child Assistance Fund.
This fund began through grant funding in 2006, with the first Baby Bottle Campaign launched in 2007 to continue the effort. The premise of the Baby Bottle Campaign is simple; individuals take home an empty baby bottle, fill it with change, and bring it back to their parish for Catholic Charities’ Mother and Child Assistance Fund. This fund provides rent or utility payments for women facing a crisis across the Diocese. Since its launch, the campaign has provided 2,375 financial grants for new and expectant parents.
In its first year, the campaign helped just 21 families. By 2024, that number grew significantly, with $77,000 distributed in rent and utility payments. The need continues to grow, matching last year’s total in just the first three quarters.
The campaign is more than just change. It provides hope and stability for families in difficult situations. Some are fleeing domestic violence, others recently lost a job or had unexpected car repairs. The demographics also vary. Some are first-time moms, others are caring for large families. Some are carrying twins or triplets. Some are young; others are in their 40s. Each woman applying for help needs support to get back on her feet.
To receive assistance, new mothers schedule an appointment with Catholic Charities to complete a short application, receive budgeting information, and learn about perinatal mental health. They also have the opportunity to learn about adoption or parenting supports, the agency’s diaper banks, and community resources. The financial assistance brings women to Catholic Charities, but they take away hope and a plan for stability.
That new mother filling out her budget? She had not known that there was support available for post partum depression, but she will leave this appointment with Catholic Charities with a self care plan and a referral to a mental health professional. She will be able to rely on the agency’s diaper bank and have rent paid before she goes back to work next month. She can have hope, because of the generosity of every person who took home a bottle in October.
This October, fifty-eight Catholic Churches and two schools are participating in the Baby Bottle Campaign. Those who are unable to pick up a bottle can donate online at www.ccsomn.org/donate, and can designate “Baby Bottle Campaign”. Each contribution can change the life of a mother, a baby, and an entire family.