Saint James the Apostle School Students Help Prepare "A Baby for Gram"

On February 9, 2015, Saint James the Apostle School in Springfield was pleased to welcome back Union County Volunteer Advocate Linda Mainker to the 5th grade classroom. In conjunction with the State’s Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutional Elderly (O.O.I.E.), Mrs. Mainker developed a program called A Baby for Gram, which is baby doll therapy for memory care residents at nursing homes. Fifth graders were able to choose a baby doll and then diaper, dress, and swaddle the doll in a blanket. Mrs. Mainker and other Volunteer Advocates then deliver the dolls to several counties throughout the year to residents in need of this therapy. Residents who are “caring” for the realistic baby doll tend to be more focused and less agitated during routine care and their attitude towards other residents and facility staff is improved. Over the last 10 years, Mrs. Mainker and the Volunteer Advocates have delivered over 300 babies to memory care residents in Union, Hudson, Essex, and Morris counties. She was thrilled to get the help from the Saint James 5th grade class and the 5th graders were equally thrilled to prepare these babies and help those in need.

The photo shows fifth grade students from left to right, Natalyah Cadiche, Kennedy Kwinta, Goda Pocius, Sophia Ilagan, Linda Mainker, Jonathan Malave, Ethan Veloso, Braeh Simon, Yvonne Agyapong, and Daveigh Wolf with their “Babies for Gram”.

The second photo shows Volunteer Advocate Linda Mainker, far right, teaching (left to right) Natalyah Cadiche and Kennedy Kwinta the proper way to diaper a baby.