ABOUT

OUR MISSION

To provide families living below the poverty level and at low income with an adequate supply of diapers and other basic necessities for their infants, toddlers, and seniors so that their caregivers can participate in life without financial hardship while keeping those in their care clean, healthy and dry.

Community Collaboratives

At Modestly Cover Diaper Bank of Essex County, we believe in the power of collaboration to make a real difference in the lives of families in our community. We’re extending a warm invitation to all like-minded service organizations to join us in our mission to provide essential support to those in need.

Together, we can achieve so much more! By pooling our resources, expertise, and passion for serving others, we can establish, implement, and measure the impact of our collective efforts. Whether you specialize in childcare, healthcare, education, or any other area related to community welfare, there’s a place for you at our table.

Imagine the possibilities: partnering with us to host community events, coordinating outreach programs, or even sharing best practices to maximize our impact. Every collaboration brings us one step closer to ensuring that every family in Essex County has access to the essentials they need to thrive.

So, if you’re ready to make a meaningful difference and create lasting change in our community, we invite you to reach out to us today. Together, let’s harness the power of unity to transform lives and build a brighter future for all.

Join us at Modestly Cover Diaper Bank of Essex County, where compassion meets action, and together, we can make a world of difference. Let’s get started!

Diaper need is associated with stress and worry

70% of mom’s in Essex County reported saying without diapers that they were stressed or anxious about their responsibilities as a parent or caregiver. 53% said they felt judged as a bad parent/caregiver because they could not afford diapers.

Diaper need is widespread and cuts across income levels

Among families with diaper need, 66% were categorized as low income, 28% as middle income, and 6% as high income.

Diaper need impacts daily life

Families with diaper need reported more instances of unmet health needs; stress and anxiety; limitations on free time and social contact; and barriers to work.

Diaper need intersects with food insecurity

More than a quarter of moms reported diaper need said that they skipped meals so that they could afford more diapers.

TACKLING POVERTY

The experience of poverty in New Jersey encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals and families facing economic struggle. The spectrum includes people with very low incomes facing dire deprivation and daily sacrifices. It also includes many among the working poor, who are often ignored by official poverty statistics but who nevertheless experience real and harmful economic challenges

In 2023 New Jersey’s population was 9,290,841 and according to the Census Bureau, the poverty rate in New Jersey is at a 52% year high and is expected to get increase.

Essex County is home to 853k people. 55,344 of them are children under the age of 5, that’s 6.49% %— who live in a household defined as poor where 1 out of 3 children lives in a family without securely employed parents. On average, families need an income of roughly twice the official poverty level to meet their basic needs, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, childcare and yes diapers.

By alleviating the financial burden that families struggle with to make ends meet in cities like East Orange, Orange, Maplewood, Newark, and Irvington, the diaper bank’s services alleviate a significant financial burden. By receiving diapers and hygiene products through the diaper bank, families can allocate their limited resources to other pressing needs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries.