Name Change for Stork’s Nest

The Stork’s Nest, a program of Grinnell Regional Public Health, has undergone a name change to the Poweshiek Nest.

“Only the name has changed,” says Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “We continue to provide incentives and educational programs to women who are pregnant or who have a child less than 18 months of age. Our intent is to provide support for women to care for themselves and as they raise healthy children.”

In 2001 public health worked with other groups to establish the Stork’s Nest in Grinnell, serving all of Poweshiek County. At that time Poweshiek County came under the Midwest Nest Coalition and took the name of the Stork’s Nest.  Recently that coalition disbanded. Grinnell Regional Public Health chose to continue programming but under the new name of Poweshiek Nest. 

Low-income mothers who are expecting or have a child less than 18 months can enroll.  The mothers earn points for healthy behaviors and continuing education. They use those points to redeem for child care items such as clothing, diapers, car seats, etc. 

“The Poweshiek community has consistently and generously supported the program through financial donations, direct donations of child care items, and hand crafted items such as baby comforters. We look forward to the coming years of support to our mothers and babies and the cooperation of the community that makes this program possible,” Hinrichs says.

The Poweshiek Nest is housed in the Light Center for Community Health at 306 4^th Avenue, in Grinnell. The hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 641-236-2385.