NEWBERRY — FIERCE LOVE was the theme for the 2017 annual LIFEBRIDGE Community Baby Shower held on March 10 at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center.

Expectant Mothers from four counties were invited to bring a guest and join in a Baby Shower and Luncheon and Parenting Presentation by LIFEBRIDGE.

“The Baby Shower was a hit with over 30 registered mothers,” said LIFEBRIDGE Executive Director Catherine Johnson.

“The involvement of the community churches made this event an incredible outreach of love and support for these Mommies,” she said.

Twenty-two churches, small groups, and Bible study groups were represented at the event. Forty-six community volunteers came together to adopt and literally shower these mothers with gifts. They also serves as hostesses, did the food preparations, and assisted the mothers and their guests for the event.

“The walls of the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center were wall to wall tables and gifts,” said Johnson. “It was remarkable and humbling to see the generosity and care for these mothers. As a young single mother myself, it was the friendship and mentoring of other women in my life that taught me how to be a Fierce lover my child and of God.”

LIFEBRIDGE offers free Advisory and Educational Services for women and men in the areas of pregnancy, parenting, and relationships, sessions are offered in group formats and in private sessions.

Two group sessions will be offered at the upcoming Spring Semester Essentials: Prenatal, Preparing for Birth & Newborn Care Classes that will run for 10 weeks and the Relationships 101 classes that will run for eight weeks. All sessions are free and do require registration.

Community organizations that set up booths for the Services Fair included Sexual Trauma Services, Newberry Parks and Recreation, Piedmont Technical College, Department Health & Human Services, Nurse Family Partnership, Empowering Families—Westview, and Thornwell of Clinton.

Visit LIFEBRIDGESOUTHCAROLINA.ORG or call 803-276-4172 for more information about LIFEBRIDGE or to register for upcoming sessions.

The LIFEBRIDGE Community Baby Shower was held on March 10 at the Fire House Conference Center.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_P_20170320_104114.jpgThe LIFEBRIDGE Community Baby Shower was held on March 10 at the Fire House Conference Center. Courtesy photos

What is a baby shower without diapers.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_IMG_5380.jpgWhat is a baby shower without diapers. Courtesy photos

Gifts for the mommies to be.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_IMG_5410.jpgGifts for the mommies to be. Courtesy photos

Mandy Johnson and Melissa Parker enjoying the Community Baby Shower.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_IMG_5414.jpgMandy Johnson and Melissa Parker enjoying the Community Baby Shower. Courtesy photos

Staff Report