Baby Basics Presents First Ever Jean Ann Lynch Founders Award

From Baby Basics: Baby Basics, a volunteer organization that has donated over 1.75 million free diapers to over 1,700 infants and toddlers from low income, working families in the communities of South Boston and Dedham/Needham, presented the first Jean Ann Lynch Founders Award, in honor of Baby Basics’ founder, to U.S. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the 8th District of Massachusetts, at its 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 31.

“By presenting this award to Congressman Lynch for his support of underprivileged families, we are also recognizing Jean Ann Lynch, our mom, for her selfless and tireless work to provide millions of diapers to thousands of babies across the country,” said Jennifer Haggerty, co-president of Baby Basics.

The Jean Ann Lynch Founders Award was created to recognize individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping working, low-income families who are trying hard to provide a better life for their families. This award celebrates selflessness and persistence, as well the importance of giving kindness and hope to those in need.

Jean Ann Lynch has been a dedicated educator, volunteer, and non-profit leader for over 45 years. She has always had an interest in child development and she supports organizations that help to maximize children’s potential. She founded Baby Basics because she recognized the need that children of low-income families have for clean diapers and the struggle that many of these families have in providing them. This program has been adopted in cities across the nation, from Vermont to California. Her flagship program - Baby Basics of Collier County in the Naples, Florida area - currently supports 385 babies with 10 sites and just celebrated distributing 6 million diapers. Lynch has received many awards both locally and nationally and has received national media attention for her role in the nonprofit field.

Not only was this award announced, The South Boston Community Health Center and The Congregational Church of Needham were also recognized for their support of Baby Basics with the Community Partnership Award. The 20th Anniversary Celebration also allowed Baby Basics’ volunteers and donors to celebrate this momentous occasion while enjoying heavy hors d’ oeuvres and drinks; a special program, which included a video about the program; and silent and live auctions. Local CBS Radio personality Sue Brady emceed the event.

“Diapers are critical to a baby's health and happiness, yet most federal assistance programs do not consider diapers a necessity and do not cover their expense,” explained Alicia Stedman, Baby Basics co-president. “We are so proud to be celebrating 20 years of service to babies and their families and a fundraising event like this will generate funds to support our program which enables us to purchase diapers for over 70 babies per month.”

Photo courtesy of Baby Basics