Raising young children can be both joyful and challenging, especially for families facing financial hardship. For parents navigating diapers, wipes, meals and the daily demands of childcare, even small supports can make a monumental difference. Catholic Charities’ Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs not only provide high-quality learning environments for young children but also offer practical resources—like free diaper and wipes distributions through Marisol Family—that give families security, stability and peace of mind.
“Catholic Charities diapers have impacted me dramatically being a single mom. And now even though I’m married, it has been so helpful for our family,” shares Shauna Maes-Ortegon, a participant in the prenatal program. She recalls the day her son was born: “I stopped and picked up some free diapers and wipes, feeling secure that I would never have to worry about not having enough. Thank you.”
Maya Shockey, a mother of four whose children attend Catholic Charities Early Learning programs, says the support goes beyond just supplies. “Since the beginning, I have had so much support from the programs they offer. One of those is the free diaper distribution. Having three young children in diapers and being a single mother has its many challenges. Diapers can become very expensive, and when money is tight, it’s reassuring to know I have a safe and reliable space to ask for help when my family falls on hard times. My family has grown to be successful since starting here. We now have a safe community and reliable programs that have really made such a difference for my children and me.”
For other families, the impact of this support is equally profound. Maria Reyes explains, “Receiving such important help in getting diapers allows me to cover other costs, like buying food for my granddaughter. I appreciate the organization because it is a great help. Thank God for them, and may He bless them dearly so that they can continue the great work they do with much love.”
Yineth, another parent, shares, “These diapers have served me a lot because I am not working and had no way to buy them. I appreciate you very much.” Similarly, Enrique Ruiz expresses gratitude for the ongoing assistance: “I am personally very grateful for the help with diapers every month. It has helped me very much, and we would like that this can continue for other families that need help.”
For many families, the program has also brought peace of mind and financial relief. Daisey Berbesi notes, “It has been a savings economically, and my baby always had diapers at home. We enjoyed more tranquility and peace. Thank you always for the help to all families and our children.” Judith adds, “I liked the help I received with the diapers because it helped my family, especially since the cost for them has increased.”
Other families highlight the convenience of receiving diaper help from the Marisol Family mobile, fondly called Marisol Miles. Kaen Avila says, “Receiving diapers is helpful and convenient because it is outside of school. It also saves us a little bit of money.” Alicia Camacho echoes this, noting, “It has helped me a lot having access to diapers because it helps me pay other types of costs, like food.” Laura Perez, a longtime participant, reflects on how crucial the program has been over the years: “I have been using the diapers and wipes truck for about three years. It has helped us tremendously when we were running low on diapers and did not have the funds to get more. I don’t know how we would have done without the truck.”
For families like these, Catholic Charities’ ECE programs do more than educate children—they lift entire households. From first-time mothers to families managing multiple children, these programs ease financial burdens, foster supportive communities and create opportunities for families to thrive. Gabriella Pachecano summarizes the sentiment of many parents: “I just want to say how much this program has helped me economically. It was a great help to get diapers for my three children all these years.”
Through the generosity of supporters and the dedication of staff, Catholic Charities ensures families have the resources, guidance and care they need to grow strong and confident. With programs like Marisol Family’s diaper and wipes distributions, families can focus on what matters most—nurturing their children, building stability and embracing hope for the future. One diaper at a time, Catholic Charities is changing lives.