Expectant mothers struggling with housing gifted the essentials at event
By Kristen Guglielmo
A dozen pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity were treated to a heartwarming community baby shower on May 29 at the Volume Seventeen Event Venue in Richmond Hill.
The event, organized by the nonprofit Nyasha’s Promise, was co-sponsored by Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Amazon and Planned Parenthood, and provided essential baby supplies helping expectant mothers prepare for their new arrivals.
Nyasha’s Promise assists unhoused mothers by helping them access the essentials they need to prepare for the arrival of their new additions and creates a sense of stability and belonging. For more information, one may visit nyashaspromise.org.
The moms-to-be each received a stroller filled with necessities for newborns, Schulman’s office said, as well as a car seat. The gifts were made possible through individual donations to Nyasha’s Promise’s Amazon wishlist and support of partner organizations, including the Met Council, Queens Jewish Community Council and River Fund.
The celebration included refreshments, games and prizes, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for the future moms, highlighting the power of community-driven compassion.
Schulman in a statement thanked the event’s partners and sponsors, and said the baby shower was more than just gifts, but a show of love, dignity and support for mothers facing unimaginable challenges.
“Every mother deserves to feel celebrated and supported, regardless of their circumstances,” Schulman said. “We know that homelessness adds an incredible layer of stress and uncertainty, especially during pregnancy. Today, we came together as a community to say: you are not alone. You matter. And we are here for you — not just today, but every day as you bring new life into this world.”
Adams said, “Nyasha’s Promise knows what mothers need to thrive and is helping to strengthen maternal health in our city. Their work is essential to uplifting families by providing community care, educational workshops, and access to vital resources. Supporting our mothers is a team effort, and I look forward to our continued work together to improve outcomes for our families.”
Sabrina Anderson, the founder and CEO of Nyasha’s Promise, said, “This is not charity — it’s justice.”
She added, “Nyasha’s Promise is leading the way in reshaping how we care for communities that have long been overlooked. These workshops and baby showers are not just a celebration; they’re a bold call to action, showing us exactly how we should show up for those who need us most.”