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4/ TheBucknerClarion.com December 4, 2014 Serving Teen Moms Baby Grace Ministries Celebrates 8 Years classes or scholarships to attend church camps. Sarah Weston, mother of two, describes the program and its founders as a blessing. "For us parents, who work but fall outside of the qualifications for government help, sometimes it is difficult to provide everything needed. This program gives us diapers, wipes and clothes," Weston said. "Both of my children have been clothed by Baby Grace from head to toe at some point. "I am grateful for the help they have provided, but it goes beyond supplies," Weston said. One strong aspect of the program is to incorporate emotional and spiritual support to these mothers who might not otherwise have a support system. This foundation was instilled in Weston and others who spoke of their experiences during the service. "Juli and Anne provide an atmosphere of love. They have given me and so many others hope, hope that everything will be okay," Weston said. Though Baby Grace mothers are not required to give back to the program, many choose to do so in appreciation. Weston has played the piano for two years at special events, including the recent anniversary celebration. She, as well as other participants also donates gently used items to the program. Also incorporated into the program is a partnership with the Happy Bottoms organization. On a monthly schedule, the Buckner Baby Grace location offers diaper distribution. Happy Bottoms provides 50 diapers or pull-ups a month to each child in need. The program oversees the distribution of over 10,000 diapers and pull- ups in a single month. Due to an outside partnership, participants must show proof of receiving some form of government assistance such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) or food stamps. The success of the program quickly caught the eye of several surrounding area churches in the Kansas City region. These churches have since launched their own outreach Baby Grace programs to assist the members of their communities. In the last eight years, nine additional locations have opened their doors. In January 2015, two more locations will open in Raymore and Marshall. Baby Grace Ministry recently celebrated eight years of service by welcoming its congregation and Baby Grace families to a special service held at the United Methodist Church in Buckner. The occasion included a look back at the organization's journey and accomplishments to date. In 2006, Fort Osage High School had 27 students either pregnant or had already given birth. Anne Farmer, a high school English teacher, taught six pregnant teens – only two returned after giving birth. Juli Yocum witnessed firsthand the challenges of a close friend, who would soon find herself a teenage mom. During the church service, Yocum described the helplessness she felt when she couldn't help her friend as much as she would have liked. Yocum and Farmer knew there was little the two could do independently. Together, "harnessing the power of Christ's love," the two put their talents together to serve those in need. Their solution: create a program for young mothers and their children that provided necessity items and offered support. On November 16, 2006, the duo co-founded the Baby Grace Ministry through the Buckner United Methodist Church. This program serves as a resource for parents in need, who have children from newborn to age five. Baby Grace does not impose qualification standards and exists through a philosophy that, "If He sends them, we serve them," said Yocum, "It's an honor system." The team strives to assist families regardless of their circumstances, needs or choices. Farmer and Yocum both believe "every child, regardless of the circumstances that brought them into the world, deserves unconditional love and grace." The Buckner location, 109 S. Hudson St., offers services including the quarterly open houses where families are invited in to choose donated items. Mothers can often find toys, books, clothing, winter wear, strollers, bedding and car seats. In an effort to reach beyond the tangible items babies need, they also strive to offer programs to mothers such as career networking, infant massage While each program functions according to the needs of their community, each one operates under the premise that the Baby Grace Ministries will "meet the needs of families that have little to no support. "Through our efforts, you will see the love of Christ in our actions and generosity," which serves as the organization's mission. Baby Grace is always accepting donations. Gently used items that benefit children are welcomed. For more information or to donate, visit BabyGrace.org.

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