How we can help
PREPARES offers support and activities for families from pregnancy to their child’s fifth birthday. Our services are free of charge and open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
To inquire about our services or to refer a family to your local PREPARES community, please contact your regional office.
To learn more about the referral process, please click here.
Essential Needs
PREPARES helps to provide essential needs to new moms and their children through a variety of ways:
PREPARES bag filled with a layette and diapers when a new mom is discharged from the hospital
PREPARES Baby Closets, which are run by a number of parishes throughout the state and offer access to clothing, diapers and other essential needs items for children to the age of five
Community Baby Showers for new moms to welcome her baby and provide items like clothing, diapers, car seats and strollers
PREPARES also helps families learn about resources available in their community that may be able to assist them with other needs such as food banks and health care.
Play Groups
Play Groups provide an opportunity for families to gather together weekly for play and learning. These groups foster a learning environment for the children while creating a supportive environment for the parents and caregivers to build relationships with each other. Communities like these are important for families to build a supportive network.
Parent Support Group
Parent Support Groups provide regular meetings and activities with other parents to enhance parenting skills and provide a supportive environment for one another.
Companions
Family companions offer support and friendship to parents. A family companion is a trained volunteer who wants to walk with parents on their parenting journey. They are there to give the support and confidence parents need in the first important months and their child’s life. Companions and parents are encouraged to connect on a regular basis.
Resources and other services
PREPARES is administered by regional Catholic Charities agencies.
Local PREPARES locations can help families connect with nearby resources.
We encourage families to contact WA 2-1-1 to learn more about the services that may be available.
