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Fidelis Care and nonprofit maternal health organization Mom Starts Here recently partnered to open a Baby Item Network supplies closet at the Fidelis Care Utica Community Office. It’s free to all Medicaid recipients.

Schenectady-based Mom Starts Here supports expectant and new parents by providing baby items and education to address social needs. The Mom Starts Here Utica Baby Item Network closet is the first in a Fidelis Care Community Office and serves as a pilot for more at Fidelis Care sites across New York State.

Mom Starts Here Executive Director Kyla Schmidt said, “We have 10 Baby Item Network sites now with partners where we provide things like diapers, coats, onesies, pants, socks, and more. We also have other infant accessories like bibs, bottles, and blankets for families in need. So, we are really thrilled to have this partnership with Fidelis Care kicking off to provide these important resources in Utica.”

Mom Starts Here received a Fidelis Care Maternal Health Grant in 2023. Over the past two years, Fidelis Care has distributed more than $300,000 in grants to 18 organizations that play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy babies statewide.

“We are seeing parents struggling,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. “This is such a great opportunity to offer baby supplies right here in our office. While visiting, parents can also speak with Fidelis Care representatives about other available resources and health insurance options including Child Health Plus, which provides comprehensive coverage for children under age 19.”

Hours for the Mom Starts Here Baby Item Network site at the Fidelis Care Utica Community Office, 209 Elizabeth Street, are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome. Those interested in donating baby items can visit www.momstartshere.org/donations-accepted for more information.