GREENVILLE, OHIO (NOVEMBER 2, 2023)- Ohio’s 11th Baby Box is featured on the east side of the Greenville Township Fire and Rescue at 1401 Sater Street, Greenville, OH. 45331.
The Baby Box will allow for the legal anonymous surrender of an infant in the event a mother in crisis cannot parent the child.
A blessing for this additional measure of protection is scheduled for Friday November 3rd at 11 AM EST. This new location marks the 179th in the nation with 15 surrenders occurring so far this year via Baby Box.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes fills the void in the Safe Haven movement as the only organization in the nation dedicated to providing an anonymous surrender option for mothers in crisis.
The organization was founded in 2016 by Monica Kelsey who learned in adulthood she was abandoned as an infant. Now her life’s mission is to end infant abandonment and advocate for the Safe Haven Law. In addition to educating citizens on the Safe Haven Law, Safe Haven Baby Boxes provides free confidential counseling via their hotline 1-866-99BABY1.
Kelsey explained, “Mothers in crisis may not have anyone to turn to, but they can call our National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1 and get counseling on their rights along with their state’s Safe Haven Law. They can turn to a Baby Box knowing their infant will be adopted by a family who has eagerly awaited this new addition to their family. We can’t fathom how tough of a decision it is for this mother, but out of love she chooses what is best for her infant. Preparation can prevent tragedy and we are thrilled that the Greenville community led the charge to protect vulnerable citizens.”
A Baby Box allows for the legal, safe, and anonymous surrender of an infant provided under the Safe Haven Law. It features three silent alarms alerting first responders to the presence of a surrendered infant. The baby will be attended to within five minutes and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Adoption occurs within 30 to 45 days by families who are signed up for foster care with the intention to adopt.
Greenville Township Trustees, Fire and Rescue Individuals and Assistant Chief Brian Phillips played a crucial role in implementing this investment in the Greenville community. Jaimie LeVeck from the Radiant Lighthouse Safe Haven Committee stated, “It takes strength & courage for a parent to admit they are not capable, for whatever reason, of raising their newborn baby. By implementing a Safe Haven Baby Box into our community we are providing an additional tool for a distressed parent to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender their newborn. Thank you to every Business, Church, and Individual who made this possible. Children are not for sale, they are not disposable, and are a precious gift that need love & grace everyday of their lives.”
Since 2017, 36 infants have been placed in a Baby Box. Nationwide, over 130 surrenders have resulted from calling the National Safe Haven Baby Box hotline. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are currently available in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi and Iowa.
WHAT: Greenville Baby Box Blessing
WHERE: Greenville Township Fire and Rescue, 1401 Sater St, Greenville, OH 45331
WHEN: Friday, November 3rd at 11 AM EST
SPEAKERS INCLUDED:
- Monica Kelsey, Safe Haven Baby Boxes Founder
- Brian Phillips, Assistant Chief Greenville Township Fire & Rescue
- Michelle & Wayne Rogers, Adoptive parents of Safe Haven Baby
- Wes Lynch, Pastor of Radiant Lighthouse and Adoptive Father of a Safe Haven Baby