Community Care Closet: Essential Support for Families in Need in 2025

Families with young children often face unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to securing necessities. The Community Care Closet, operated by The BLACK Collaborative Inc. through the Center of EDEN Hub for Access to Care, offers vital support to families with children from premature infancy through age 8. In partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, this program provides low-barrier access to essential supplies and connects families to supportive services. This update highlights the impact of the Community Care Closet in fiscal year 2025 and explains how families and community partners can access or contribute to this valuable resource.

Community Care Closet stocked with essential infant supplies

How the Community Care Closet Supports Families

The Community Care Closet focuses on removing barriers that often prevent families from getting the help they need. Families who are pregnant, postpartum, or caring for babies and young children can request support for essential items such as:

• Diapers and wipes

• Infant formula and feeding supplies

• Clothing and hygiene items

• Breastfeeding and postpartum support resources

• Safe sleep and family wellness supplies (availability varies)

The process to request support is straightforward. Families complete a quick online request form, after which the Community Care Closet team contacts them to confirm needs and arrange delivery or pickup. This approach ensures families receive timely assistance without complicated procedures or stigma.

How Agencies and Community Partners Can Help

Community organizations, churches, schools, and health providers play a key role in connecting families to the Community Care Closet. If you serve families who need infant and child essentials or wellness support, you can refer them easily by submitting an online referral form. The team then assesses the family’s needs and links them to appropriate resources through the Center of EDEN Hub.

Common reasons for referrals include:

• Diaper and formula insecurity

• Postpartum support and breastfeeding assistance

• Transportation and access challenges

• Family stress and urgent resource gaps

  
  

By partnering with the Community Care Closet, agencies can extend their reach and provide families with practical help that makes a real difference.

Partnering to Strengthen Community Support

The Community Care Closet welcomes partnerships with a variety of organizations, including:

• Churches and faith-based groups

• Schools and childcare centers

• Community-based organizations

• Home visiting and maternal–infant health programs

• Clinics, doulas, lactation consultants, and mental health providers

  
  

Organizations interested in hosting a Community Care Closet or collaborating on outreach efforts can contact the Center of EDEN Hub to explore opportunities. These partnerships help expand access and ensure families receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique situations.

Real Impact in Fiscal Year 2025

In 2025, the Community Care Closet has served hundreds of families, providing thousands of essential items. For example, one family with a premature infant received diapers, formula, and breastfeeding supplies that helped them care for their baby during a critical time. Another family facing transportation barriers was connected to local health services and received hygiene products and clothing for their toddler.

These stories illustrate how the Community Care Closet goes beyond handing out supplies. It builds connections that support family wellness and ease the stress of early childhood care.

How to Request Support or Make a Referral

If you are a family in need or a community partner, accessing help is simple:

• For Families: Complete the Family Request Form to start the process.

• For Agencies and Partners: Submit a referral through the Referral Form to connect families with resources.

  
  

The team responds quickly to requests and referrals, ensuring families get the support they need without delay.

With gratitude,

The BLACK Collaborative Inc.

Center of EDEN Hub for Access to Care

Community Care Closet