Compassion’s enduring impact spans lifetimes. In the 1990s, Richedean Hills-Ackbar, a single mother, experienced the profound generosity of receiving two baby showers during her time of need. This served as a catalyst, propelling her to extend the same kindness to other mothers facing similar challenges.
In 2009, the “Annual Day of Pampering for Moms-To-Be” was conceived, and now, after 14 years, Richedean, accompanied by a dedicated team of community volunteers, has left an indelible mark on the lives of numerous expectant mothers through her nonprofit, Caregiver’s Helping Hand, Inc.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as Ragan Park becomes the venue for the “Annual Day of Pampering for Moms-To-Be.” This event is made possible through sponsorship from Rebein Brothers Trail Lawyers and warmly welcomes mothers-to-be on public assistance from Hillsborough County. The event extends the invitation to expecting fathers, grandmothers, and older siblings.
In light of distressing accounts of infant abuse in the media, Richedean has curated a resourceful toolkit to empower new mothers. Acknowledging the challenges that arise without a reliable support system, she thoughtfully arranges for community experts to provide valuable guidance and preparations for the journey of parenthood.
Safety is a paramount concern in Richedean’s advocacy, and she underscores the significance of departing from potentially unsafe environments and discourages entrusting children to individuals who may pose a risk. Her mission is to endow young mothers with self-sufficiency, recognizing that tasks that may appear straightforward to some, such as budgeting, can be formidable for those embarking on motherhood without prior experience. Mothers with financial constraints often struggle with the intricacies of budgeting for essentials like diapers and formula.
Expectant mothers can look forward to indulging in complimentary food, engaging activities, and enlightening workshops. Richedean’s objective is to provide resources from various agencies and indispensable provisions that parents may require to care for their newborns.
Belly painters, prenatal massages, blankets from the Linus Project, and a custom-made diaper cake made with love by Richedean are some of the free services and gifts for moms-to-be.
Richedean shares her insight, “The event will feature an array of resources from diverse agencies that offer parental support, alongside essential items tailored for new parents. For fathers, we’ve prepared book bags filled with essentials required for outings—diapers, wipes, blankets, feeding bottles, and changes of clothing. Our endeavor is to offer an impactful start to the journey of parenting, characterized by kindness during times of need—much like the kindness I once received. I’m simply paying it forward.”
Reflecting on her continuous efforts and the most gratifying sentiment she has encountered over the past fourteen years as both an event coordinator and the founder of a nonprofit, Richedean humbly says, “A thank you.”
Caregiver’s Helping Hand, Inc. accepts gently used and new items for newborns, babies, and toddlers.
Items needed include newborn diapers, baby bags, pacifiers, socks, blankets, hats, t-shirts, headbands,
rattles, bottles, teething toys, strollers, mobiles, baby wipes, lotion, shampoo, powder, crib sheets, baby
swings, baby monitors, and bottle warmers, etc.
The “14th Annual Day of Pampering” is Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ragan Park, 1200 East Lake Avenue, Tampa. Guests can register on Eventbrite at momstobe2023.eventbrite.com or text 813.431.1814. For more information, please contact Richedean Hills-Ackbar at caregiverstampa@gmail.com or via text/call (813) 431-1814.