The YWCA Quad Cities has joined with the National Diaper Bank Network and Alliance for Period Supplies (APS), as resources are spread thin in the Quad Cities. The Network collaborates with local partners that collect, store, and distribute free diapers to families in need, and the Alliance does the same with period supplies.
They are now the second diaper bank in the Quad Cities, following Hiney Heros, and the only APS member in the region.
Executive Director of the YWCA’s Empowerment Center, Amy Schaeferr, said 1 in 3 women-led households live in poverty, and 80% of the families they serve are headed by women, more than doubling last year.
“We found that a lot of our clients do need these items. And so if we can get them to them as they're here to get food or clothing from our other services, it just makes their lives a little bit easier if they can get all in one place,” Schaeferr said.
For National Diaper Need Awareness Week, the Empowerment Center partnered with River Bend Food Bank and the Davenport Community School District on Thursday, September 18th, to show the center's services to around 90 families experiencing hardships.
The Empowerment Center provides a food pantry, clothing closet, cleaning supplies, and a free laundry service.
"So that's an appointment-based service. You can call anytime and get on the schedule for that," Schaeferr said. "Where we have two washers and two dryers and free detergent so folks can do their laundry here. And then we also have showers on site, so those are open five days a week. Folks are welcome to come in. And we've got hygiene supplies for those as well."
The YWCA is open from Monday through Friday at 513 17th Street in Rock Island, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
