PORT ANGELES — The Clallam & Jefferson County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force will host a free event for new and expecting families on Saturday.
The Community Connection Baby Shower will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
It will feature presentations, workshops and activities to help new and expecting moms, dads and caregivers navigate pregnancy and parenthood.
“We are excited to host the 2nd annual Community Connection Baby Shower, said Elisia Anderson, executive director of the First Step Family Support Center.
“It is an event that has proven to be both educational and fun, and most importantly, provides an opportunity for new parents to get the support and services they need to be emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy, connect with their baby, and help their family grow and thrive,” she said.
Families can start the day at 9:30 a.m. with a free continental breakfast, door prizes, and an interactive “Managing Wellness During & After Pregnancy” presentation from North Olympic Healthcare Network.
The main room opens at 10 a.m. There families can win prizes and pick up free baby supplies while they gather information and tips from over 25 local medical, behavioral health, and family support organizations.
Caregivers can take part in mini-yoga classes, free chair massages, a community vision board, and other activities in the Family Wellness Corner, new and experienced dads can learn skills and enter to win a barbecue gift basket at the Father’s Corner and children can play in the kid-zone.
The event is hosted by First Step Family Support Center, the City of Port Angeles, North Olympic Healthcare Network, Olympic Medical Center , Molina Healthcare and Amerigroup.
For more information, including a schedule of presentations and activities, see www.firststep familysupportcenter.org/calendar-and-events/baby-shower
The Clallam & Jefferson Perinatal Mental Health Task Force is a community collaborative funded by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (Strengthening Families WA) in partnership with Perinatal Support WA. Chaired by First Step Family Support Center, the group has created perinatal mental health support groups, brought training to providers and increased access to perinatal mental health.