Leadership, Community And Growth Focus Of Diaper Banks In America Conference Converging In Kansas City Oct. 9 - 10

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With one in three U.S. families struggling to provide babies and toddlers with a daily supply of clean, dry diapers, an increasing number of caring individuals and communities are stepping up to start and/or support new and existing diaper banks. 

In fact, just this year, 52 new diaper banks in 29 states have begun providing emergency diaper relief in their respective communities. Most often, these fledgling and sometimes established organizations seek guidance from the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and its membership comprised of diaper bank leaders representing more than 225 diaper banks located throughout the country.  Today there are diaper banks operating in 48 U.S. states (excluding Hawaii and North Dakota).

The opportunity for the diaper bank community to learn from one another and share ideas are key components of the Diaper Banks in America Conference that will be held in Kansas City October 9 – 10 at the Hampton Inn-Country Club Plaza. 

Hosted by the National Diaper Bank Network and Kansas City-based HappyBottoms — recognized as one of the top diaper banks in the country — the third annual conference will bring together a cross section of individuals involved in the diaper bank community, from the novice to the seasoned and from the volunteer to the professional. With two full days of plenary sessions, workshops, networking, and fun, the conference will focus on professional development and leadership, community collaboration, and growth, each a fundamental element to the success of diaper banks. Conference registration, available at www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, is open to all members of the diaper bank community as well as those individuals interested in learning more about starting and/or supporting a diaper bank.

The 2014 conference will include a keynote address by Kathleen DiChiara, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. DiChiara began distributing groceries out of the truck of her car in 1975, and today leads an organization that distributes 40 million pounds of food a year to more than 1,000 non-profit organizations.

Also scheduled to speak at the conference are Dr. Edward Christophersen, an expert in early childhood psychology and behavior, nonprofit consultant Vicki Clark, who returns to the conference by popular demand, Mark Litzler, executive director and CEO of the St. Luke's Hospital Foundation, and David Renz who is the Beth K. Smith/Missouri Chair in Nonprofit Leadership and the Director of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.

The conference follows September's Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept. 8 – 14), during which 86 municipalities and 20 state governors and/or state legislatures throughout the country issued proclamations, held diaper drives and hosted other activities to elevate the public understanding of the pervasiveness of diaper need.  The issue of diaper need has also gained additional national attention as a result of legislative efforts taking place in California. A proposed bill (AB 1516) would give families on welfare (CalWORKS), with children under two, $80 a month to cover diapers. Currently, government assistance programs such as food stamps, disallow the purchase of diapers, a basic need for infants and toddlers.

About HappyBottoms: HappyBottoms got its start in 2010 when a Kansas City area mom learned about diaper need and wanted to help low income families obtain access to diapers. Soon her garage was full of diapers and the area's first diaper bank was born. She brought in a team of volunteers who have made HappyBottoms what it is today: a thriving Kansas City nonprofit that has supplied more than two million diapers to babies in need. HappyBottoms provides diapers to two dozen charities throughout the metro area, including early-childhood learning centers and domestic violence and homeless shelters, among others. However, many more charities are waiting for help. With one in five kids living in poverty in the Kansas City area, HappyBottoms will continue to grow to help cover bottoms in need. More information is available at www.happybottoms.org. 

About the National Diaper Bank Network: The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every child in the U.S. has enough diapers to be clean, dry & healthy. Founded in 2011, the network raises awareness of diaper need (#DiaperNeed) and supports the development and expansion of diaper banks in communities throughout the country. Its active membership includes more than 225 diaper banks, diaper closets and food banks located in 48 states and the District of Columbia. More information on NDBN and diaper need is available at www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, and on Facebook (facebook.com/NationalDiaperBankNetwork) and Twitter (@DiaperNetwork).

SOURCE National Diaper Bank Network