News Feature, Chanelle Ignant
The gymnasium at Lavonya DeJean Middle School gave new meaning to the phrase “multi-purpose” last Saturday, when it was transformed into a baby shower venue for scores of expecting parents and their family members.
The second annual Family Resource Fair, sponsored by 4 Richmond and West County Baby Committee, was held to raise awareness of city programs and resources for pre-natal and post-natal care. About sixty soon-to-be parents and relatives took advantage of the resources and were treated to breakfast and lunch, as well as a raffle, free baby clothes, and other necessities.
Joan Carpenter, district coordinator for city supervisor John Gioia, said the event is a crucial one for many Richmond families.
“We have such a high rate of African-American and Latino infant mortality in West Contra Costa County,” said Carpenter, who started the event last year as a way to meet the challenges faced by local parents.
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