(Northeast Wisconsin) Jake’s Diapers has launched a new initiative: the Adult Care Essentials Initiative, with the goal of providing adult incontinence items for those in need. “Our organization began with a mission of providing diapers to parents in need; parents who have no way of being able to afford an adequate supply of diapers for their child,” explained Stephanie Bowers, Founder and Executive Director of Jake’s Diapers, a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization. “As we’ve grown over the past eight years, we saw other, similar, urgent needs for hygiene items like period product supplies for teens and women, as well as incontinence items for older adults and those with special needs.” Earlier this year, Jake’s launched the Eastern Wisconsin Period Supplies Network. Now, Jake’s is launching the Adult Care Essentials Initiative.
“We’re partnering with companies and vendors for product donations as well as collecting financial donations to purchase products which we can access at a discount,” stated Bowers. “So many seniors are living below the poverty line; trying to get by on social security alone. It’s hard enough paying for rent, food and medications. Even if they desperately need adult incontinence products, they often go without and just try to get by. It’s heartbreaking, not to mention it poses a significant health and hygiene risk.”
Jake’s is in talks with several potential partner companies for product donations, and is looking for additional partners. Monetary donations are also welcome.
Collected items are sorted and packaged at Jake’s “Hope Factory” warehouse in Little Chute, WI. “We have more than 30 area agencies and organizations throughout Northeast Wisconsin that will take as much as we can donate to them when it comes to these adult products,” Bowers said. “We knew there was a need, but were surprised to learn just how great that need is.”
“Whether it’s diapers for children, period supplies for young women, or incontinence supplies for adults, it comes down to the same struggle for those in need, and that’s being able to afford an adequate supply of these items,“ added Bowers. Not only is a lack of these supplies a health and sanitation issue, it also impacts caregivers who may miss work or school if they have to spend time accessing what little donated supplies are available through traditional sources.
Jake’s Diapers, based in Little Chute, Wis., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing hygiene essentials to solve diaper need and end period poverty. Established in 2013, Jake’s Diapers was originally created to help 15 babies in an orphanage in Peru. That mission has expanded dramatically through the years. Today, Jake’s has impacted over 15,000 lives in over 20 countries including right here in Northeast Wisconsin. Jake’s is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network and is also rated Platinum on Guidestar, the highest nonprofit rating possible. You can learn more at: jakesdiapers.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.