Having a baby can be stressful, but there are a lot of services and support systems in Juneau that can help families. These organizations spread out over Juneau will be gathering for the second annual Baby Fair to provide information, activities and services to families today.
The fair will take place at Mendenhall Valley Public Library from 4-6 p.m. It’s free and targeted to expectant families, or families with children 0-3 years of age.
Executive director of Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) Joy Lyon told the Empire that the fair is being held by Partnerships for Families & Children, a network of 16 nonprofit and state agencies who support young children and their families, with the goal to consolidate all their information and services into one convenient stop so parents can easily see what’s available to them in town.
After having a baby, “it can be a stressful time. We are here to make it easy,” Lyon said. “There’s a lot to know.”
At the fair, local experts will share on baby development, birth support, sleep, personal care and child care questions. Other organizations will provide medical services: Mendenhall Flying Lions will provide vision screening, Juneau Public Health will give flu shots and REACH Infant Learning and Parents as Teachers will do hearing screenings. There will also be activities, door prizes, balloons and books given out.
Last year, around 100 families attended, Lyon said, but noted that there are over 400 babies born in Juneau annually, so there are many families who could take advantage of the fair but haven’t yet. If families cannot attend, they can find the 16 organizations and agencies at juneaufamilies.org or call AEYC at 789-1235 for more information.
• Contact Clara Miller at 523-2243 or at clara.miller@juneauempire.com.
