Biweekly Community Spotlight: A Village
In 2023, the San Juan County Perinatal Task Force was born. It is funded by the Perinatal Mental Health Initiative (PMHI) Grant and rooted in a simple, powerful belief: that families deserve real support during one of life’s most transformative seasons. The PMHI, a partnership between local organizations, Perinatal Support Washington, and Strengthening Families Washington (a program within the Department of Children, Youth & Families), works to build perinatal mental health capacity in local communities, increasing awareness, improving screening and referrals, and making it easier for families to access the care they need.
Over the past few years, the SJC Task Force has grown across the islands and into neighboring counties, weaving a broader safety net of behavioral health support for expectant, new, and growing families. Last year, San Juan Island hosted the first-ever Community Baby Shower. This year, it was Lopez’s turn.
Coordinating an event of this scope takes months of careful planning. Katy Hill, manager of LIFRC’s Early Learning team, Contessa Downey and Community Health Workers spent months building relationships, reaching out to providers across the islands and neighboring counties, and making sure every detail was carefully in place, so that every family who walked through the door would feel welcomed and seen.
Then, on May 2nd, that work came to life.
Families who are planning, expecting, or raising children aged 0–5 gathered together to mingle, learn, laugh, and connect. It was, in the most literal sense, a village.
Lopez practitioners and professionals showed up with their whole hearts. Libby Valluzi of Hidden Spring: Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum Support shared grounding, holistic wisdom on what happens in the early postpartum weeks — and why physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual support during this time matters so deeply, both now and long into the future.
Llewellyne Arden with Vitality Yoga Therapy created a space to provide breathwork and yoga movement to all, focusing on the spectrum between prenatal and postpartum recovery. As Llewellyne shared: “It was great to see the event set up, network with other providers, and make important connections to support families.”
LIFRC’s Parent-Tot program, our weekly support group open to all caregivers and their children aged 0–5, hosted a table where little ones could explore, play, and read. Every child got to choose their very own bilingual book to take home, made possible through generous funding from the DV & Ida McEachern Foundation and Lopez Bookshop.
Bellies were filled alongside hearts and minds.
A light brunch spread featuring treats from Barn Owl Bakery, Fine Mess Bakery, Isabel’s, and El Encanto catering kept everyone fueled, and families were able to bring home fresh produce, food, diapers, and wipes thanks to the Food Lifeline van on site.
By the numbers, the day was a true success:
- 154 people attended, including providers and families
- 25 families, including 42 parents, 6 grandparents,
- 31 children under age 5
- 2 families planning for the future, and 2 families currently expecting
- 11 older siblings ran around, adding to the joy
There were so many moments that reminded us what it really looks like to raise a child in a village. Babies and kids moved freely between their grown-ups and other trusted adults, playing and resting with whoever was nearby. It was truly multi-generational and full of life.
Lopez showed up in full force, with the Lopez Library, Lopez EMS (where kids got to climb inside an ambulance!), Lopez Solid Waste with a pop-up TIOLI table of curated children’s clothing and items, Lopez Children’s Center, and FLIP all bringing their energy and expertise to the celebration.
In total, twenty provider tables from across the islands and Skagit and Whatcom counties were on hand, representing a wide and wonderful range of support for families of all shapes and sizes. Among them, OASIS, founded in 2024 to compassionately serve Latino and Indigenous migrant communities from México and Guatemala across Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties, engaged families in hands-on demonstrations about healthy oral care and the importance of reducing sugary beverages. As one attendee shared: “It looked like there was a lot of Spanish representation there, and those who could speak Spanish as well. It felt nice to be represented.”
But we think the community said it best: “You can tell how much hard work and dedication LIFRC put into this event. There were so many information tables to learn from, families present, plus all of the raffle items and food!”
“I was so impressed by the range of providers present! This event is just as much a professional networking event as an event for families, which is also so valuable.”
“My child woke up every morning that week asking about the Baby Shower — on the day of, they sprung out of bed and couldn’t wait to go!”
None of this happens without the generosity of those who believe in Lopez families. Deep gratitude to Wellpoint Insurance, Molina Insurance, SJC Perinatal Task Force, Perinatal Support Washington, WA DCYF, Joyce Soybel Family Resource Center, DV & Ida McEachern Charitable Trust and Food Lifeline. Thank you for all of the support from San Juan County Health & Community Services, San Juan Childcare Cooperative , Ashley Elaine, Licensed Massage Therapist, Blythe Parker from San Juan Island Midwifery, Peace Health Island Medical Center, Alchemy Art Center for their ongoing art activity for the attendees to make inspirational affirmation cards for preparation of becoming a parent, Whatcom Perinatal Mental Task Force and Mobile Mama. Our local businesses and organizations also showed up in force by donating raffle items!
Your investment in this community is felt in every connection made, every resource shared, and every family that leaves feeling a little less alone.
