MANSFIELD — Small social change can make huge societal impact.
Community Health Access Project (CHAP) Executive Director Brice Eyerly quoted CHAP founders when asked about the annual Richland County Community Baby Shower.
“With this event we had more than 400 people register,” he said. “We see those numbers as we look around, but if we can help even a fraction of that, we are making the community healthier.”
The Richland County Community Baby Shower hosted by the Community Health Access Project (CHAP), drew a steady crowd Thursday afternoon at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center from noon to 3 p.m., with lines stretching through the hallway and towards the front doors for much of the afternoon.
Providing resources for the entire family
For sisters Brittany and Becca Broaddus, both social workers and new mothers, that message stood true. They attended for the first time after hearing about the event from Brittany Broadus’s lactation consultant.
“I don’t think a lot of people know all of the available resources in Richland County — and that is so important,” Becca Broadus said.
Brittany Broadus added they were happy to finally get out of the house due to both being freshly postpartum.
Eyerly, who took the executive director position in April, said it is humbling to see how this event has grown over the years and now be a part of it.
“We are already talking about next year and the ability to expand,” he said. “Looking at the whole family and being able to provide resources to everyone in the home.”
Eyerly urged those who may be in need of help to call, text, email or reach out through their website.
“At the end of the day every service that we provide is free and our goal is to make a healthier community,” he added.
“CHAP was founded on the idea of ‘neighbors connecting neighbors,’ and when you look at an event like this, you see that mission in action,” Eyerly said. “The gravity of what we’re doing is immeasurable.”
Community vendors coming together to show support
CHAP Training and Operations Manager Ashley Leadingham said while the baby shower event started in 2020, last year was the first year for CHAP to take over as the primary coordinator.
“Community involvement is so important — especially in a world where division often takes center stage,” Leadingham said. “Events like this are a beautiful reminder that there are still so many people willing to show up, connect and support their neighbors.”
“My favorite part is seeing how much support comes from businesses and organizations across Richland County,” Leadingham said.
This year’s event featured 46 vendors, each contributing either a door prize valued at $50 or more or making a monetary donation. The door prizes included diaper bags, strollers, hygiene items, pack ’n plays and more. Wayfinders and monetary donations from individuals funded the bingo prizes.
The event featured numerous vendors, who offered information on services and interactive games or activities for guests.
At the OhioHealth Mansfield booth, guests decorated onesies using pre-made designs. Community Action for Capable Youth (CACY) had a guessing game that challenged guests to tell the difference between candy and medicine — highlighting how difficult it can be when medicine is not kept in the original bottle.
Before doors opened, a vendor networking area was set up to share refreshments and write advice cards for attending parents.
‘We are so rich in resources in Richland County’
Rubies Women’s Group founder Candace Cole catered lunch through her UR; Worthy business, which she established to employ women transitioning out of the Rubies proram who often face barriers to finding work.
“This event is important because it helps people learn about CHAP and connect with local resources,” Cole said. “We are so rich with resources in Richland County, but not everyone knows how to navigate them — or has an advocate to walk with them. This event bridges that gap.”
(Photos from the Richland County Community Baby Shower. Credit: Hannah Martin)
