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St. stephen prepares ministry

Help us put shoes on little feet!
- PREPARES supports families from pregnancy through age 5 with friendship, encouragement, and practical assistance. This October, our parish is walking with PREPARES families through our Shoe Drive, providing tennis shoes and winter boots for the children we serve. Our goal is to help make sure every child has shoes that fit and are ready for the season ahead.
  
  How to participate:
  
  1. Take a Tag - Visit the PREPARES Pack ' n Play in the parish narthex and choose a shoe tag.
  
  2. Buy the Gift - Purchase the requested size on the tag.
  
  3. Attach the Tag - so we know which child they are for!
  
  4. Return your gift by November 1st - Place the shoes (with the tag attached!) back in the PREPARES Pack 'n Play.
  
  That’s it! Your gift will help provide something a child needs while reminding their family that their parish community is walking alongside them. Looking for other ways to get involved? See below for more ways to support our ministry!
what is prepares?
- St. Stephen's PREPARES is a parish ministry dedicated to supporting families who have chosen LIFE. Through practical assistance, compassionate support, and meaningful relationships, we help ensure that no family faces life's challenges alone.
  We currently serve 58 Children within 25 Families... through the work of our 16 Volunteers!
  Every month, we provide over 3,600+ diapers, 70+ packs of wipes, clothing and shoes as children grow, and formula when available. We also provide car seats, strollers, and other resources as needs arise.
  
  But PREPARES isn't simply about providing material goods. It's about relationship. Our volunteers walk alongside families, offering encouragement, friendship, prayer, and practical assistance as parents navigate pregnancy and the early years of raising children. Whether you are seeking support, looking to volunteer, or hoping to make a donation, we invite you to join us in caring for families in our community.
- PRAY
  
  Prayer is an important part of this ministry.
  Pray for the moms, dads, babies, and young children we serve.
  Pray for families experiencing financial hardship or other challenges.
  Pray for our volunteers and for the continued work of PREPARES.
- give
  
  Help stock our ministry with needed supplies by donating monetarily, purchasing from our Amazon Wish List linked below, or donating requested items.
  Most Needed Right Now:
  Diapers in Size 6
  Clothing (New Only):
  Newborn (Boys and Girls)
  18M (Girls)
  24M (Boys and Girls)
  We are expecting 6 new babies before the end of the year. See the ITEM DONATIONS button below for more current needs.
- WALK
  
  Volunteers are the heart of PREPARES. Whether you desire to accompany a new family, or enjoy working in the background, there is a place for you in this ministry. Together, we can ensure that every family knows they are loved, supported, and never alone.
  
  To walk alongside St. Stephen's PREPARES program, email Patti Brumbach and Emma Stewart at [email protected].
- Donation
- Item Donations
- Volunteer
Your support makes a difference
- Your support helps PREPARES respond to the everyday needs of families while also being there when an unexpected challenge arises. A donation might help provide diapers for a baby, shoes for a growing child, groceries for a family, or emergency assistance when a family is facing a difficult month. Last year Saint Stephen the Martyr's parishioners donated over $7,500, more than 39,000 diapers and 900 packs of wipes.
  Every gift helps us walk with families!
Frequently asked questions
- What if I or someone I know need support?
  If you are pregnant, parenting a young child, or know a family that could benefit from encouragement and practical assistance, PREPARES may be able to help. Support may include:
  Diapers, clothing, and baby supplies
  Connections to community resources
  Emotional and spiritual encouragement
  Friendly accompaniment
  
  Click the link below or call (206) 737-9264.
  
  Get Support
- What is the PREPARES program?
  PREPARES is a nurturing response of the Catholic community, open to all, to provide meaningful, local, and unconditional support to Washington mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Our vision is that a mom or family can come to any Catholic community in the state and be served.
  
  Our help is caring, personal, and confidential.
- What does a Prepares volunteer do?
  Essential needs
  Giving to those in need is a great way to make a difference and directly impact families in your community! St. Stephens assists families by collecting diapers and gently used clothing for distributing to families through a baby closet, PREPARES Bags (filled with items for children ages newborn through 5), or by collaborating with another parish outreach ministry, like St. Vincent de Paul.
  
  Parish-based events and activities
  Lead and/or support activities and events that support families in your community like hosting a Parish Baby Shower, support a community diaper distribution through the food bank, create a “meal train” for a family with a newborn, and much more!
  
  Family Companions
  Family Companions are volunteers who want to walk in encouragement and friendship with a parent or family. You can be trained to provide direct one-on-one support to a PREPARES family experiencing hardship. You can also act as a Companion on a team of volunteers. PREPARES Family Companions agree to commit to at least three visits with a family and on-going support as arranged with the PREPARES family.
  
  Prayer
  Make the commitment to support PREPARES families through prayer. Create a prayer chain, pray the rosary, or commit to our PREPARES Novena.
- Why do we need a Program like PREPARES?
  As a Catholic parish, we are called not only to celebrate the gift of life but also to support families as they welcome and raise their children. PREPARES allows our parish community to put that call into action by accompanying parents with compassion, practical assistance, and friendship. Through PREPARES, St. Stephen the Martyr becomes a visible sign of Christ's love for families in our community.
- How can PREPARES benefit a pregnant Mom?
  Every mother deserves support as she welcomes the gift of new life. Pregnancy can bring joy, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges, and PREPARES is here to help. Through caring volunteers, practical assistance, and connections to local resources, PREPARES supports mothers with baby supplies, referrals to community services, encouragement, and ongoing accompaniment. Whether a mom needs material support, guidance, or simply someone to walk alongside her, PREPARES helps ensure she has the resources and community she needs to confidently choose life and care for her growing family.
- Please pray for the mothers, fathers, children, volunteers, and supporters who make PREPARES possible.
  See PREPARESforLife.org for more information.