The University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) Children’s Center, which serves children of UNL staff, faculty and students, as well as the Lincoln community, has a lot to offer their 205 young students. Not only are they one of the first providers in Lincoln to receive the highest state quality rating – Step 5 in Step Up to Quality – but they can also provide families with all the benefits associated with being a Lincoln Littles provider.
Of course, tuition assistance is the prime benefit. But as Callie Wilhite, the center’s Director, learned last summer in a provider meeting, access to diapers is also available.
“Families say, ‘Thank you for helping us get through the month,’” Wilhite said.
Since January 2023, The Junior League of Lincoln (JLL) and Lincoln Littles have partnered to provide diapers for children receiving care through one of Lincoln Littles’ 31 qualified child care providers. JLL fundraises, collects and packages diapers for families in need and the partnership ensures that families won’t have to keep their child home from child care due to a lack of diapers.
While less than 10 percent of children enrolled at UNL Children’s Center receive Nebraska Child Care Subsidy (Title 20), another 10% fall in that gap between qualifying for subsidy and being able to afford the full price of tuition, thus qualifying for tuition assistance from Lincoln Littles.
Recently, Wilhite volunteered to wrap and pack diapers for the Junior League Diaper Bank. Volunteers divide large boxes of donated diapers into packs of 25, then pack delivery boxes to fill provider requests.
“I didn’t realize how many centers really need these,” Wilhite said. “We might only need a few packs each month, but other providers require so much more.”
At UNL Children’s Center, families – including a couple teachers – benefit from both Tuition Assistance as well as Diaper Bank help.
“We try to offer competitive pay and benefits but overall the industry just doesn’t pay well,” Wilhite said. “The teachers tell me that this helps them get through the pay period because they knew diapers were available if needed.”
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 47% of American families with small children report experiencing diaper need. Despite the apparent need, there are no federal or state safety-net programs that provide funding specifically for the purchase of diapers. SNAP and WIC assistance cannot be used to purchase diapers.
When Sarah Huls, Director at the West A KinderCare, describes the 85 early childhood students they serve, the families are facing a lot. With about 60% of students receiving Subsidy and a few more receiving Lincoln Littles tuition assistance, she understands that many families struggle with transportation and even homelessness. Often single parents or blended families with siblings, they are nearly all low income, often working gig-economy jobs.
“Diapers are a huge need,” Huls said. “On average 15-20 families respond with diaper requests. When they are low, they are asking about the next delivery.”
Many times, staff use the diapers for when children are at KinderCare but other families need them at home as well.
“I honestly think these diapers mean eating or not.” Huls said. “For many families, they are choosing between diapers and food. They might have to make a hard choice.”
“According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 28% of families with diaper need reported they skipped meals so they could afford diapers,” said Arden Szepe, co-chair of the Junior League Diaper Bank. “If we can help one family not have to make that terrible choice, we are achieving our mission.”
On average last year, the Junior League Diaper Bank distributed 3,347 diapers and around 50 packs of wipes per month. However, months fluctuate and need is rising, having distributed 9,000 diapers during the month of July, 2024.
“Lincoln Littles providers are grateful for the partnership with the Junior League’s Diaper Bank,” said Suzanne Schneider, Associate Director of Lincoln Littles. “Families already struggle to cover the cost of child care and by reducing the worry over diaper need, this partnership is giving families a little peace of mind.”
Learn more about supporting the Junior League of Lincoln’s Diaper Bank at JLL.org.