Safe, Seen, and Supported: Five Years of Mary's Helping Hands
July 28, 2026
By Tonia Martin, Director of Operations at Mary’s Helping Hands
When Brooklyn first walked through the doors of Mary's Helping Hands, her son was just four months old. Working at a daycare while raising her 7-year-old daughter and infant son, she was doing everything she could to provide for her family. Yet like many parents, the rising cost of diapers, clothing, and other essentials often stretched her budget beyond its limits. After learning about Mary's Helping Hands through social media, she reached out for assistance.
That first visit marked the beginning of a relationship that has continued through some of life's biggest moments. Today, Brooklyn's son is 16 months old, and her family has grown once again with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl. Each month, Mary's Helping Hands has helped meet practical needs through diapers, clothing, and other essentials. When her newest daughter arrived prematurely, Brooklyn was especially grateful for the preemie clothing available through the ministry.
But what stands out most to Brooklyn is not the diapers or clothing.
She says that every time she visits Mary's Helping Hands, she feels "safe, seen, and supported." She often encourages other parents not to be afraid to ask for help, reminding them that the ministry is a place of dignity, compassion, and without judgment.
Recently, while picking up items for her newborn daughter, Brooklyn received a handmade quilt created by one of our volunteers. As she held it, tears filled her eyes. She shared that it felt as though it had been made specifically for her baby girl.
That moment captures the heart of Mary's Helping Hands.
Five years ago, Mary's Helping Hands began in a garage with a simple mission: to offer hope, love, and support to expecting mothers, fathers, and caregivers facing difficult circumstances. In our first year, we served just 67 clients. Five years later, in Fiscal Year 2026 alone, we will serve more than 8,900 clients, providing essential items and support to families across Iowa. What started in a garage has become a ministry that distributes diapers, wipes, clothing, maternity items, safe sleep resources, books, hygiene products, and hope to thousands of families each year.
While the numbers tell a story of remarkable growth, they do not fully capture our mission. Every diaper distributed, every clothing bundle prepared, and every quilt lovingly sewn is a reminder that each person is created in the image of God and worthy of love and support.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has championed Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide effort to ensure that every pregnant and parenting mother knows she is loved, supported, and never alone. Mary's Helping Hands is honored to be part of that mission. Each day, we see the impact that practical assistance paired with compassion can have on a family. Whether it's a package of diapers, a safe place for a baby to sleep, clothing for a growing child, or simply a listening ear, our volunteers and supporters help remind families that Christ's love is present throughout their journey.
A special way we walk with families and live out the call of the Catholic bishops is through our Referral Advocate Program. Each month, the program connects more than 70 households with meaningful support beyond the services Mary’s Helping Hands can provide directly. Families receive connections to food assistance, additional clothing resources, support for single and young parents, parenting education, and other community services tailored to their needs. By helping families navigate challenges and access available resources, we ensure they are supported not only today, but throughout their parenting journey.
This year, as we celebrate five years of ministry, we invite you to come and see what God has done through the generosity of so many faithful people.
Please join us for our 5th Anniversary Open House on Sunday, August 23, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy tours of our facility, refreshments, children's activities, and learn more about the thousands of families who have been served through this ministry.
Whether you have supported Mary's Helping Hands from the beginning or are hearing about us for the first time, we would love to welcome you.
Because sometimes the smallest acts of kindness — a diaper, a clothing bundle, or a handmade quilt — become powerful reminders of God's love in someone's life.