*Artwork above by and published here with special permission from talented artist Guady Pleskacz, whose motherhood illustrations I love.
A reader introduced me to the Good+ Foundation after I moved to New York three years ago and I’m indebted to her for it. Founded by Jessica Seinfeld, Good+ is a leading national nonprofit that works to dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods (baby gear, diapers, cribs, etc.) with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers, and caregivers, creating an upward trajectory for the whole family. During this pandemic, they have distributed over $4 million in goods — such as baby food, school supplies, and cribs — and $125,000 in emergency micro-grants.
When I stop to think about what this work means, my heart breaks.
I imagine a mother struggling to afford diapers or a safe sleeping space for her newborn baby while I have the luxury of talking about nice-to-have baby products for my own children. And I know first-hand how intense motherhood is–without the pressure of poverty. I have therefore been a proud and enthusiastic supporter of theirs for the past few years and have recently became a member of the Friends of Good+.
This fall, Good+ is hosting an online drive to provide baby essentials to New Yorkers who are facing unemployment, unstable housing, food insecurity, and poverty.
If you are interested in gifting diapers, food, or gear to a New York family in need, you can do so here. The drive ends Friday, September 25th.
P.S. I love you, New York.