Michelle Skiles, who helped start and helps run Solid Rock Church of Rochester’s Families Helping Families ministry, stands with some of the diapers ready to be distributed via the program. Those needing diapers and formula may pick them up from 2-5 p.m. Mondays for free.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Solid Rock Church of Rochester members noticed babies and moms needed help with diapers, formula and more.

So, the church’s Rachel Rhymer and Michelle Skiles started Families Helping Families four years ago. The ministry provides the above free to those in Fulton County and beyond.

People may come in from 2-5 p.m. Mondays at the church, 913 Main St., Rochester, to get items. Skiles said the ministry tries to give out items once a month to families, but will not turn people down if they come more than once a month.

Skiles said the church will take down people’s addresses and phone numbers when they come for items. That is to give out things, like baby cereal and food, if someone happens to donate them to the church.

“I will sometimes call and check with them and (say), ‘Hey, are you running low on something or is there something we can help you with (additionally)?’” said Skiles.

She said the program is especially helpful for new moms and filling in gaps for those getting assistance from the Women, Infants and Children program.

The church also started giving out diaper bags for babies born at Woodlawn Hospital about a year ago. Each month, the church tries to give 10 to Woodlawn, with the bags containing formula, wipes, diapers, information on local resources including Families Helping Families, and other items.

The church also has a folder with information on local resources helping with food and more to give to those who need it who use Families Helping Families, said Skiles.

People may message the Families Helping Families Facebook page to inquire if the church has a certain size of diapers or brand of formula in stock. The page may also be used to inquire about donating for the program, said Skiles.

Families Helping Families strictly operates off donations, she said. People may also bring diapers or formula to the church from 2-5 p.m. Mondays or before or after the church’s service at 11 a.m. Sundays.

All sizes of diapers are needed, with Skiles noting more recent needs are for larger sizes, 4-6. Any type of formula is welcomed.

She said people may exchange diapers for a different size if the diapers they bring in are in an unopened package.

Those wishing to donate may also call Skiles at (574) 835-8813 or the church at (574) 224-7654. Monetary donations for Families Helping Families, including for the bags for new moms, may also be done with checks made out to Solid Rock Church, noting they are for Families Helping Families.

“We hope … it just helps relieve some of the money issues with some of these families that are lower income because I get how that is and have been there, done that,” said Skiles. “I have seven kids, so I get it completely.”

The church also gives out diaper bags to babies born at Woodlawn Hospital. The bags contain diapers, formula, wipes, information on local resources and more.