Senior project connects new mothers with support
Jorja Simon was inspired by the world-renowned Finnish maternity box program when she was working on her senior project.
The baby boxes are designed to give underprivileged new mothers and their infants a safer, healthier start in life.
Courtesy photo
Baby boxes for mothers due to give birth in July, August or September were prepared by high school senior Jorja Simons. Interested mothers are encouraged to connect with Wired2Learn to apply to receive them.
What began as Jorja Simon’s special interest turned into a senior project and a way to help new mothers in North Idaho.
The North Idaho Baby Box Initiative was inspired by Simon's trip to Finland, where she first encountered the maternity box program.
The maternity boxes contain diapers, newborn clothes, thermometers, swaddles, baby toothbrushes, sleep sacks and even care items for moms such as comfortable socks, witch hazel pads and nursing supplies. “Paisley the Potato” was also added to the boxes by the writer.
Simon’s project addresses postpartum depression, a condition that affects about one in seven women globally.
"I was seeing groups in our area saying anonymously that they needed stuff for their baby and they needed support systems and they needed basic items,” Simon said. “I didn’t know how to support them, but no one should have to go through that.”
In order to better understand what new mothers needed in the boxes, Simon interviewed community members, earned a certification in Safe Sleep from Safe Start, raised over $3,000 and secured donations for baby essentials.
Simon has been going to the Wired2Learn Treatment and Learning Center since sixth grade and has shown resilience by moving past academic struggles to participate in the Running Start Program at North Idaho College.
Alyssa Pukkila, executive director of Wired2Learn, said the passion Simon brought to the project has been proof of the potential she possesses to impact her community for the better.
“She proved what’s possible when kids with learning disabilities are given the right support,” Pukkila said.
Simon wants to be an advocate for local mothers and raise her voice to communicate their needs. She also plans to continue helping mothers in the future after high school.
“I’m going to do training to become a doula," Simon said.
During a recent presentation Simon shared the mantra that “you deserve a chance to thrive.”
Pukkila said she has been thrilled to see Simon grow and show her empathy for others.
“We believe in these kids and their potential. Jorja is living proof of that belief,” Pukkila said.
Mothers due in July, August or September who are interested in applying for a baby box can reach out to Wired2Learn.
Baby boxes for mothers due to give birth in July, August or September were prepared by high school senior Jorja Simons. Interested mothers are encouraged to connect with Wired2Learn to apply to receive them.