The Waterfront Foundation, dedicated to building bridges to stronger communities and supporting the vital work of The Chautauqua Center, Inc. (TCC Health), is pleased to announce the upcoming “Mama and Me Wellness Fair.” This free community event is designed to provide essential resources, education, and support for expecting mothers, parents, and caregivers in the Dunkirk area.

The “Mama and Me Wellness Fair” will be held today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Chautauqua Center, 75 E. Third St., Dunkirk. The event is free and open to the public.

Understanding the unique challenges and needs faced by families during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life, The Waterfront Foundation, in partnership with event host TCC Health and event sponsor Highmark, has organized this fair to create a supportive and informative environment. The event will feature a variety of valuable resources and engaging activities, including: Story time for children; Opportunity to “Ask the Doula”; Postpartum mental health discussions; Car Seat Safety Preparedness information; Introduction to maternity and postpartum service dog programs; Information from maternal health providers; Comprehensive maternity, infant and parent resources and information

Light refreshments, including truffles and chocolates, will also be available for attendees to enjoy. There will be a featured “Make your own Floral Bouquet” station, giveaways, surprises, and more.

“The Waterfront Foundation is committed to enhancing the well-being of our community members,” states Alicia Ekstrom, Health and Wellness Director at The Waterfront Foundation. “We recognize that access to comprehensive maternal and infant health resources is crucial for healthy families and a thriving community. This fair is a direct reflection of our mission to bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide vital education and support right here in Dunkirk.”

Community health centers like TCC Health play a critical role in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations. The populations served by TCC Health in the Dunkirk area often face various socioeconomic factors that can impact maternal and infant health outcomes. These can include limited access to transportation, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness of available resources.

The “Mama and Me Wellness Fair” directly addresses these challenges by bringing together a variety of essential services and information under one roof, at a convenient and familiar location like The Chautauqua Center. By offering free access to experts, resources, and support on topics ranging from mental health to car seat safety, the event empowers parents and caregivers with the knowledge and connections they need to navigate the complexities of maternal and infant care.

“Highmark is proud to partner with The Waterfront Foundation on this important initiative,” commented Anna Michotek, Senior marketing coordinator at Highmark. “Events like the Mama and Me Wellness Fair are invaluable in connecting our members and the wider community with the critical maternal and infant health resources they need. We are dedicated to providing patient-centered care, and this fair exemplifies our commitment to supporting families beyond the clinical setting.”

The Waterfront Foundation encourages all expecting mothers, fathers, partners, and caregivers in Dunkirk and the surrounding areas to attend this free and informative event.