Baby Steps Boutique (9-05)
Date of Project: 09-2005
Name of Coalition: Itasca Area Early Childhood Initiative
MIF: Northland Foundation,
Project Overview: The Baby Steps Boutique opened in 2001, and it looks and operates like a retail store but coupons, rather than money, are used to "purchase" new merchandise for children age 0-5. (No money is exchanged.) Customers at the store find children's clothing, furniture (including strollers, cribs, mattresses, high chairs, etc.), safety items, toys, books, diapers, monitors and many more accessories. Parents, along with extended family caregivers, earn coupons by active participation and/or compliance in programs that promote the well being of families. The boutique partners with social, medical and educational services that serve families in Itasca County that qualify as coupon distributors (currently 35 distributors). The boutique provides parents with information about services that benefit their families in an inviting environment that helps to promote a sense of self-esteem and a safe place to share information about their lives, which then enables the staff to provide informal referrals. The store is on target to have approximately 2,500 customer visits in 2005 (open only two days per week).
Cost of Project:
# of Children 0-5 Served: 0
# of Children 6-18 Served: 0
# of Adults Served: 0
# Families Served: 0
Lessons Learned/Outcomes: Parents and caregivers will be motivated to actively participate and/or comply with available services. The percentage of pregnant women obtaining appropriate and adequate prenatal care will increase. The percentage of children immunized on a timely schedule will increase. Assessments and care of children for dental, vision and hearing will increase. The percentage of parents and caregivers participating in parent education opportunities will increase. Father participation in all activities will also improve.
Project Frequency: