Lutheran Services in Iowa Hosts Free Community Baby Shower in Le Mars

Expectant parents in Plymouth County can arrive at St. John's Lutheran Church on April 9 and walk out with free supplies, introductions to a network of local service providers, and a direct connection to the home-visiting program that recently expanded into their corner of Iowa.

Lutheran Services in Iowa is hosting the free community baby shower from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 201 First Ave. N.W. in Le Mars. The event is open to the public with no registration required, and is organized through LSI's Early Childhood Services division.

The afternoon centers on introducing attendees to HOPES, LSI's home-visiting initiative that recently extended its reach to Plymouth and Cherokee counties. HOPES connects expecting and new parents with a consistent home visitor from the prenatal period through a child's fifth birthday, providing parenting education, developmental screenings, transportation assistance, and referrals to community resources. For families in Le Mars who may not yet know the program exists, the baby shower offers a low-pressure first point of contact.

Multiple family and child-development organizations from across the area will have tables at the event. Attendees will receive free resources, support, and materials to help them prepare for a new baby. Past LSI community baby showers in Le Mars have featured diaper bags stocked with essentials and raffle prizes that have included strollers and cribs.

"Parenting, and parenting little ones, can be tough," said Mallory Berkenpas, LSI's early childhood service coordinator. "Sometimes you can feel alone and so we just want them to know that there's a village of people to help them."

LSI is one of Iowa's largest nonprofit human services agencies, serving thousands of Iowans each year through child abuse prevention, services for children and families, services for people with disabilities, and immigrant and refugee support. The organization is nationally accredited and places no eligibility restrictions based on religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, or sexual orientation.

For Plymouth County families seeking support before or after the April 9 event, several additional resources serve the Le Mars area. LSI's Early Childhood Services team can be reached directly for information about HOPES and year-round parenting support. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides monthly nutrition benefits, formula assistance, and breastfeeding support for qualifying families. Siouxland Community Health Center offers low-cost prenatal clinic access to area residents. Plymouth County Public Health serves as a referral point for families navigating health and social services throughout the county.