On any given Thursday night, a group of women can be found in a big suite situated in a non-descript office building in Casselberry. The women range in age, socio-economic background, and life experiences. They crowd into the space, jostling amiably for one of the chairs ringing the walls. Some have brought their babies or toddlers, who are settled in the next room with volunteer caregivers for the next hour.

This next hour belongs to the moms; discussions can range from baby safety, to good nutrition, to how to manage frustration. A facilitator leads the chat but the moms don’t need any encouragement to talk. The moms appreciate these dialogues; before they joined these regular meetings, they had nobody else to turn to.

Most first-time mothers share the same hopes and fears… they want to be the best parents they can be. Typically, newbie moms can turn to their own moms, friends, or spouses for guidance, wisdom, and support. However, for those who don’t have a support system, or may be living without the necessary resources, or have experienced the trauma of abuse, caring for a new baby can be a paralyzing prospect. Without resources or encouragement, where can they turn? In Seminole County, the answer is the Perinatal Program run by Children’s Home Society of Florida (chsfl.org). The name sounds clinical, but moms learn solid, proven parenting skills in the same manner they hope to teach to their own children: with patience, humor, and kindness.

“More than half of the moms in this program were abused themselves. Who would they have as role models? Most are young, single parents without a lot of income,” says Tara Hormell, executive director for Children’s Home Society of Florida. “They work extremely hard to be the best parents they can be, and we help fill in the gaps.”

“This program shows us we are not alone. Meeting after meeting, we meet as moms and share our stories and opinions; and so, meeting after meeting we become closer, like a family,” says Marie, participant and mother of a 3-year-old daughter.

Since 1992, this program has helped thousands of children and mothers through individual coaching and mentoring, weekly group sessions, parenting education (on skills ranging from changing a diaper to navigating healthcare), access to supplies and clothing from the “Mom’s Closet,” an onsite shop. And it’s all free! A mom can join any time during her pregnancy and participate until her first child turns three. Most moms are referred from county health programs, but participation is voluntary. Recently, a new “Dad’s program” has launched for fathers and male partners who also want to help their babies grow up safe and healthy.

A year ago, the program wouldn’t have been able to help new dads. Yearly grant funding that financed most of the program disappeared because of shifts in eligibility criteria. Plus, the moms and babies had long outgrown the office space available, making meetings uncomfortably cramped. But, thanks to a few generous companies and people, the Perinatal Program is now in a larger space that can accommodate the popular weekly gathering. A grant from IKEA Orlando and donated work from DPR Construction completed the transformation. At the official open house in October 2014, program staff had the opportunity to publicly thank a key volunteer who had also helped: Vicky McVay, founder of the aptly-named Stork Club, whose members meet to host “Baby Showers” and community fundraisers for the program.

A local philanthropist with a passion for children, McVay spent many years working with other nonprofits to help families in need. When she learned about the Perinatal Program, she was instantly captivated by the stories she heard. “I was a nurse for a long time. I saw firsthand the sad results of child abuse, and I knew if we could just get to the families sooner, we could stop this cycle so many families fall into. When I was introduced to the Perinatal Program, I was all-in,” she says. “What the moms can accomplish is amazing. We’ve even helped some get their GED’s when they thought they’d never be able to finish school.”

After years as a successful real estate professional, McVay recognized that a key element of the program’s success would be sustainability. She founded the Stork Club as a way for supporters to make monthly contributions, raise awareness of the effort, and gather needed donations of clothing, diapers, and formula. “The baby showers are a lot of fun, and they connect people to the idea that they can help moms and babies thrive. It’s been a huge success. The key is to keep the momentum going,” says McVay. “These moms work so hard. If I can do my part to get people excited about the program, it adds up to healthy, safe, and loved children and some of the best parents around.”

The Perinatal Program currently is supporting 75 mothers and 11 fathers and participation continues to grow. To host a baby shower or donate to the Stork Club, contact Phil Deal at phillip.deal@chsfl.org.