On October 3, 2022, Maddie’s Place opened its doors for the first time.
It was a quiet day to start. Nurses, infant care specialists, and cuddlers all showed up to an empty nursery, anticipation tickling their spines. There was an evident pep in each step as they went about their various chores to make the nursery as homey and clean as it could be.
When word came that there was a baby in need of our services, excitement exploded in everyone’s hearts. No one expected a baby to come within the first week of opening, let alone the first month.
The next day, Tricia (our founder) and Kim (our director of family advocacy) set out on a mini road trip to pick up our first baby.
And so, the wait began.
When the baby arrived late that afternoon, the overall feeling was giddy. Lindsey Hisaw, our nursery supplies manager and infant care specialist, clued me into the moment that brought new life to Maddie’s Place:
“My heart skipped a beat when I heard that our first baby had arrived. I almost couldn’t help but run down the hall to the front to greet them as they came in! Over the shoulders of half a dozen excited people, I peeked and saw the smiling faces of Tricia and Kim proudly carrying a car seat—within it the tiniest face that we instantly fell in love with. That moment I still hold so dear in my heart!”
This had to be one of Lindsey’s favorite moments of the year. Because in that moment, a dream became a reality. In that moment, the hearts of all burst with joy and love unfathomable.
It was quite the bonding experience.
Now here we are, one year later, with 50 babies and 25 of their moms served.
To celebrate the growth over the last year, we held a party for our employees and volunteers.
It was such a sweet time together, gathering under the white and gold balloons and décor. We talked, we laughed, we reminisced about our unique experiences as a staff.
As I bustled around the room, squeezing past people (we fit A LOT of people into our small conference room), and getting the best pictures and videos, I couldn’t help but be thankful. Surrounding me were so many individuals, their spouses, daughters, friends, who were adamant about showing up every day for these little ones. It fostered a familial air in the room, a connection between members of the day shift and evening shift and night shift alike.
And so, a new year begins — a new year to offer the same kind of hope to more and more families suffering in this drug crisis that has wounded Spokane so much.
But our resources are growing. Our supporters are rallying. Our ranks are tightening. Bring on year two!
Questions? Suggestions? Email me at emma.jones@maddiesplace.org
This blog was posted on October 6, 2023.