Leadership Riverside - Class of 2023
The goal of Leadership Riverside is to develop the next generation of active leaders for Riverside. Decision-makers of local businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and universities participate in a 10 month program devoted to key regional issues at locations throughout Riverside. Graduates of Leadership Riverside go on to contribute to Riverside’s economic and cultural vitality.
Diaper Bank Distribution Project
The graduating class of 2023 has dedicated their end of year project to the local nonprofit Junior League of Riverside. The Junior League of Riverside is a 100% volunteer based non-profit organization of women who have created the Inland Empire’s only Diaper Bank.
About the Diaper Bank of the Inland Empire
The Diaper Bank of the Inland Empire was established in 2019 to provide diapers and wipes to families with limited funds for basic needs. Through monthly distributions and community partnerships, the diaper bank aims to reduce the number of Inland Empire families struggling to afford clean diapers for their child(ren). Programs that aim to end diaper need are very limited in the Inland Empire community – while some organizations provide ad-hoc diaper distributions, the Diaper Bank of the Inland Empire is the only National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) recognized program serving the region. Because of this, demand is high and program expansion is critical to meet the needs of low-income and under-resourced families.
The Diaper Bank of the Inland Empire is open to all residents of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Of the Diaper Bank families served in 2023, 77% of households served fell into HUD’s Extremely Low-Income category, 13% were Very Low-Income, 6% were Low-Income, and 4% were above Low-Moderate Income rates. Even moderate income families may experience diaper need due to situational experiences such as extended postpartum recovery or unexpected delivery of multiples, placing financial strain on households.
The Need
As reported by the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 American families report struggling with diaper need. Recent surveying of families accessing the Diaper Bank of the IE unveiled startling barriers to basic needs: without diaper bank support, 57% of parents/guardians would keep their child in a soiled diaper for longer periods of time, 29% of infants/toddlers would go without diapers altogether, and 44% of families would have less food as a result of prioritizing clean diapers.
Stats to Know:
- 47% of families reported diaper need in 2023, up a staggering 14% since 2010.
- 1 in 4 doctor visits are a result of diaper dermatitis.
- 8-10 diapers must be provided for most childcare facilities.
- 3 in 5 parents miss work due to insufficient diaper to provide to childcare.
- 46% of families reported reducing other expenses to afford diapers.
- $80+ is the average monthly supply costs of diapers, which cannot be purchased using SNAP or WIC.