For two years Crystal and Sean Claspell have been coming to Little Lambs, bringing their three-year-old daughter Aliya and two-year-old son Elijah. Aliya’s due date was in March, but when she arrived on Christmas Day three months premature and only weighing one pound and 13 ounces, her parents turned to Little Lambs and their partners for assistance.
Started by the Junior League of Evansville 20 years ago, Little Lambs gives parents the incentive to practice positive parenting acts for their children through their participating organizations. With the support of more than 20 Little Lambs’ partners including Easter Seals Rehabilitation and Healthy Families, parents receive prenatal and pediatric care, behavioral services, and nutrition.
“This organization has been a lifesaver for us a few times,” says Crystal. “Having a disabled child, I can’t work outside the home, so we run low on finances. Little Lambs helps with that.”
When Crystal and Sean obtain services from the participating partners, they receive vouchers, which can be exchanged for items like diapers and car seats at the Little Lambs store. Located in First Presbyterian Church at 609 S.E. Second St., Little Lambs is open every Wednesday and Saturday. The staff offers free car seat safety checks and educational classes.
“The store has those necessities that we all need to be good parents, like car seats and play yards,” says Bethany Logan, development coordinator at Little Lambs. “Working with our partners, Little Lambs gives parents an incentive to care for their children safely. It helps parents be more successful and safe, while also stretching their dollar a little more.”
Little Lambs celebrated its 20th anniversary with its first fundraising celebration on April 29. With a reverse auction, the anniversary celebration raised more than $10,000, and the money goes to purchasing items for the Little Lambs’ store.
“We are thrilled. It just means we can help more people, more families, keep more children safe, which is our mission,” says Joy O’Connor. Though she has been on the board only nine months, O’Connor has a long history working with Little Lambs.
“That was very exciting for us,” she says.
For more information about Little Lambs, call 812-425-5262 or visit littlelambsevansville.com.
