{"id":123607,"date":"2025-08-06T12:47:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/123607\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T12:47:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:47:17","slug":"east-l-a-center-offers-free-baby-showers-and-community-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/123607\/","title":{"rendered":"East L.A. center offers free baby showers and community support"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Stephanie Juarez walked into the East L.A. Community Resource Center, she wasn\u2019t just attending a baby shower\u2014 she was stepping into a support system.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The mother of two, who was expecting her first baby girl at the time, said the event offered more than just gifts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels pretty nice because when you\u2019re not working or only have one partner working, it\u2019s very helpful,\u201d said Juarez, 30, who had been bringing her son to the weekly \u201cStorytime for Tots\u201d classes at the center.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve created a bond with the mothers\u2026 It\u2019s nice to see that my son is interacting with other children before he starts preschool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bright and early on a recent morning, Juarez and a group of other expecting parents had gathered at El Arco, the center\u2019s main recreation room, for a quarterly community baby shower.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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: \u201cA little honey bee is on the way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Stephanie<\/a>Stephanie Juarez attends a community baby shower with her young son. (Carol Martinez for Boyle Heights Beat)<\/p>\n

For Selena Campos, 26, of Maywood, who was expecting her third child, the free goodies made all the difference.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI really appreciate whatever they gave us because it\u2019s actually a good help. Especially with the economy,\u201d Campos said. \u201cDiapers and wipes\u2026We go [through] them so quickly, especially in the first months.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Campos\u2019 first time at the center, but she had already been planning her next visit.\u00a0 \u201cI actually want to bring my other kids because I know they have other activities for them, older toddlers, and it\u2019d be nice for them to enjoy as well,\u201d Campos said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Iris G\u00f3mez, 41, manager of the East L.A. Resource Center, said the idea of community baby showers came from conversations with community members.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis all started because there was a need from soon-to-be parents for diapers and wipes and resources,\u201d said G\u00f3mez. \u201cSo, we began this community baby shower to provide that stuff for the parents.\u201d<\/p>\n