By: Natalie Santoyo, MS, LMFT
At El Centro de Amistad (ECDA), we know that the earliest moments of a child’s life lay the foundation for lifelong health, connection, and resilience. That belief came to life during our recent community baby shower events, where families gathered to celebrate new beginnings, build meaningful connections, and access vital resources designed to support parents and children from birth through age five. Each baby shower was filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose.
Families were welcomed into a festive environment complete with decorations, refreshments, music, and opportunities to relax and enjoy the moment. Expectant parents and caregivers received thoughtfully assembled gift bags filled with essential baby items, helping ease some of the practical stress that can come with preparing for a new child. Throughout the events, parents also participated in games and activities, adding an element of fun and connection while building community with other families on similar journeys.
These baby showers were more than celebratory gatherings; they were intentional, community-centered events rooted in ECDA’s commitment to early intervention, family wellness, and mental health support. By creating welcoming spaces where families felt seen, supported, and empowered, we were able to connect parents with tools and relationships that can make a lasting difference during a child’s earliest and most formative years.
Why the First Five Years Matter
ECDA’s work is deeply rooted in supporting children ages 0–5, a period when brain development occurs at an extraordinary pace. Research consistently shows that experiences during these early years shape emotional regulation, learning capacity, physical health, and social relationships well into adulthood.
Events like community baby showers serve as an entry point into a broader network of care, allowing families to build relationships with trusted providers and learn about services that can support them long after the event ends. Early intervention, relationship-based support, and access to mental health resources help families build resilience, even in the face of uncertainty. It is not just about addressing challenges; it’s about strengthening families, nurturing relationships, and building resilience from the very beginning.
Strengthening Early Bonds: Introducing Infant Massage and Baby Cues
One of the most meaningful components of both baby showers was a hands-on introduction to infant massage and conversations around baby cues. Parents were guided through a brief overview of the infant massage model, learning how gentle, intentional touch can support bonding, emotional regulation, and healthy development. This introduction offered parents practical tools they can use at home to strengthen attachment, soothe their babies, and foster trust and connection.
In addition to hands-on activities, parents received informative education on baby cues and early support strategies. Caregivers learned how infants communicate through crying, facial expressions, body movements, and sounds and how responding consistently and compassionately helps babies feel safe and secure.
By offering these early connection-focused practices, ECDA reinforced the message that healthy development begins with responsive relationships, and that small, intentional moments can have a powerful impact.
Community Effort, Lasting Impact, Looking Forward
These baby showers would not have been possible without the dedication of staff, volunteers, and community partners who contributed their time, energy, and resources. From organizing supplies to hosting activity stations and supporting families throughout the events, each contribution helped create an atmosphere of care and belonging. Their generosity and compassion helped transform ordinary gatherings into moments of reassurance and hope.
The success of these gatherings reminds us that supporting families is a collective effort. When communities come together to uplift parents and children, the impact extends far beyond a single day. In times when many systems feel strained, community care becomes essential. These events reminded us that we are stronger when we show up for one another, offering practical help, shared knowledge, and human connection.
As ECDA continues its mission to serve families and children, we look forward to hosting more community-focused events that bring education, celebration, and connection together in meaningful ways. We invite community members, partners, and supporters to stay engaged, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about available services.
As we look ahead to future events, ECDA is actively seeking donations to help expand these raffles and giveaways. Contributions of baby supplies, gift cards, and monetary support allow us to continue creating meaningful experiences for families and ensure that no parent feels alone or unsupported during this important stage of life.
