When Stephanie Juarez walked into the East L.A. Community Resource Center, she wasn’t just attending a baby shower— she was stepping into a support system.
The mother of two, who was expecting her first baby girl at the time, said the event offered more than just gifts.
“It feels pretty nice because when you’re not working or only have one partner working, it’s very helpful,” said Juarez, 30, who had been bringing her son to the weekly “Storytime for Tots” classes at the center. “We’ve created a bond with the mothers… It’s nice to see that my son is interacting with other children before he starts preschool.”
Bright and early on a recent morning, Juarez and a group of other expecting parents had gathered at El Arco, the center’s main recreation room, for a quarterly community baby shower.
Papel picado was strung in the air. White and yellow tablecloths adorned tables with bee-themed centerpieces. A photo backdrop welcomed guests with the words: “A little honey bee is on the way.”
There were raffles for a postpartum kit, diaper bags, and even a Hatch sound machine alarm clock. Each guest left with baskets full of baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, swaddles, shampoo, teething toys and more.
These baby showers, hosted by the East L.A. Community Resource Center since May 2024, have not only provided free baby essentials to soon-to-be parents, but also offered connection, education and a deep sense of community.
Stephanie Juarez attends a community baby shower with her young son. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
For Selena Campos, 26, of Maywood, who was expecting her third child, the free goodies made all the difference.
“I really appreciate whatever they gave us because it’s actually a good help. Especially with the economy,” Campos said. “Diapers and wipes…We go [through] them so quickly, especially in the first months.”
It was Campos’ first time at the center, but she had already been planning her next visit. “I actually want to bring my other kids because I know they have other activities for them, older toddlers, and it’d be nice for them to enjoy as well,” Campos said.
Iris Gómez, 41, manager of the East L.A. Resource Center, said the idea of community baby showers came from conversations with community members.
“This all started because there was a need from soon-to-be parents for diapers and wipes and resources,” said Gómez. “So, we began this community baby shower to provide that stuff for the parents.”
Attendees pick up baby essentials like diapers, swaddles, blankets, and wipes at the East L.A. Community Resource Center. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
Attendees pick up baby essentials like diapers, swaddles, blankets, and wipes at the East L.A. Community Resource Center. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
Attendees pick up baby essentials like diapers, swaddles, blankets, and wipes at the East L.A. Community Resource Center. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
Attendees pick up baby essentials like diapers, swaddles, blankets, and wipes at the East L.A. Community Resource Center. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
Baby essentials are ready for pickup at the East L.A. Community Resource Center. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)
The baby showers are open for up to 25 expecting parents in their third trimester who pre-register for the event. In addition to gifts, attendees enjoy a healthy brunch and hear from community partners like Whole Child, WIC, the office of L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Talking Angels— all of whom bring information and resources for families.
“Parents can connect with each other and really find people who they can build that support network with,” said Gómez.
Juarez echoed that feeling.
“You do build community where you see people,” she said. She only wished she had known about the resources at the center sooner. “I think it’s something that needs to be put more out there.”
The East L.A. Community Resource Center is one of 14 centers across Los Angeles County that are operated by the L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.
Details:
The East L.A. Community Resource Center
4801 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday
For more information about programming or to find a resource center near you, visit the official webpage here.