Gifted Hands Community Health (GHCH) hosted a free community baby shower and welcome event for new mothers on Nov. 7 at the West Ward Recreation Center in Trenton.
The event was organized to provide maternal health education, community resources, encouragement and baby essentials to as many as 75 pregnant women, depending on available donations.
GHCH founder and executive director Manoucheka Desrosiers, a Haitian American health care professional and community advocate, organized the event in honor of her Nov. 4 birthday and following multiple cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that have not resulted in a successful pregnancy.
Desrosiers, who also serves on the Trenton Historic Preservation Commission, organized the event through GHCH with support from the city of Trenton. She also received a proclamation recognizing Nov. 7 as Gifted Hands Community Health Maternal Health and Family Support Day.
“I was in church with my eyes closed, praying and crying, asking God why I had not been able to have a child,” Desrosiers recalled. “I saw what appeared to be a little angel baby coming down, and I heard the words, ‘I hear your prayers, but why don’t you consider supporting pregnant women?’”
Desrosiers said she had never considered organizing a community baby shower before that experience, which she described as deeply meaningful. She said she was uncertain whether it was a dream or a vision, but it inspired her to turn a difficult personal journey into an effort to support expectant mothers and their families.
“My hope of becoming a mother remains close to my heart,” Desrosiers said. “I wanted to celebrate other women, share resources, and help families feel supported as they prepare to welcome a child.”
Community organizations, businesses, public agencies, faith communities and volunteers supported the event by contributing food, diapers, wipes, baby care items, family resources and maternal and postpartum support. Contributions and services varied depending on each partner’s participation and available resources.
The event also introduced GHCH’s proposed From Pregnancy to College Initiative, a program being developed to connect families with parenting education, health care, early learning resources, academic support, mentoring, tutoring, youth development and college or career opportunities.
Under the proposal, GHCH would help families connect with existing organizations, schools, health systems and community resources. The initiative is intended to complement established services rather than replace them.
GHCH hopes to develop long-term community partnerships that support children from pregnancy and early childhood through their education and preparation for future opportunities. The initiative remains in development, and ongoing services have not been guaranteed.
The event was held from 2 to 7 p.m. at the West Ward Recreation Center, 351 Prospect St., Trenton. It was open to pregnant women from all communities and backgrounds, with advance registration and confirmation required.
