A United Way of Skagit County Program
About Welcome Baby
Welcome Baby is a partnership between Skagit Valley Hospital and United Way. The Welcome Baby coordinator is the bridge that connects parents to other services in our community, acting not just as a resource to parents but health care providers as well.
Every baby born at Skagit Valley Hospital will receive a gift including: diapers, a hat or blanket knit by a member of our community, a board book, and a Cuddle Bright kit.
To help parents thrive in their role as advocate, teacher, and nurturer, and address the difficulty in locating resources and kindergarten readiness, Welcome Baby provides resources in two areas: Resource Referral and Parent Support.
Resource Referral
There is a wealth of resources in Skagit County and Welcome Baby points parents towards the resources that meet their needs. The coordinator provides referrals to services providers in the area of health and wellness, family support, basic needs, child care and early learning, developmental needs, and recreational activities.
Parent Support
If you so choose a Welcome Baby coordinator will visit you in the hospital after the birth of your child where you’ll receive a gift full of goodies to get you off to a great start. Then you have access to a wealth of free resources including:
• Monthly e-newsletters with information about milestones, parenting tips, and opportunities and resources in the community
• Up to date information on things happening for families with young children in Skagit County
• Social connection through meet-ups and the Welcome Baby Facebook group which provides resources and information
• And finally you get the coordinators! You can call or text them any time at (360) 922-2644 for practical and emotional support, information, and resources
Our History
Welcome Baby began in 1998 as an outreach program for new parents. Meredith Baker, coordinator for Welcome Baby, visited parents at Skagit Valley Hospital after the birth of their child to provide encouragement and share information on attachment and literacy.
When the recession hit in 2008 Welcome Baby was discontinued due to funding constraints, but under United Way of Skagit County the program is back better than ever with new features and resources to boot!