On Wednesday afternoon, Jasper witnessed the unveiling of a brand new addition to their community – the Safe Haven Baby Box.
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization has confirmed that this marks the seventh baby box in the state.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, proudly shared that the baby box program has successfully helped 201 babies from 19 different states since its inception in 2017. With 251 boxes distributed, the program continues to make a positive impact on the lives of infants and families in need.
Communities across the country have installed Safe Haven Baby Boxes to provide a secure and anonymous option for parents who want to surrender their child. These boxes ensure that the baby is kept safe and protected at all times.
Kelsey marveled, “It’s truly remarkable that we’re here today, offering a blessing to this box, instead of standing over a grave and blessing a box there, isn’t it?”
Kelsey has a personal mission to establish secure areas where women can confidently give up their newborns.
In April of 1973, Kelsey was born and shortly thereafter, abandoned by her mother. Kelsey herself now stands at the forefront of a ministry that supports children who were not lovingly, safely, and legally placed in a safe haven baby box by a parent who desired them. Despite her own difficult start in life, Kelsey has made it her legacy to be the voice for these children.
Alabama lawmakers made a significant move in 2022 by passing a bill that broadens the scope of the state’s safe haven law. The new legislation permits the installation of safe haven devices and also extends the time limit for mothers to decide if they can care for their child from three days to 45.
Since its installation in January, the first baby box in Alabama located in Madison has already saved three infants, according to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
State Senator Greg Reed from Jasper expressed his appreciation for the availability of caring individuals who have provided a safe haven for babies when their parents were unable to do so. “We have that now right here in our community,” he remarked.
Representative Matt Woods from Jasper expressed his sincere hope and prayer that responding to a call about a baby being placed in a safe haven baby box is something that no one ever has to do. However, if such a call does come, he believes that it would be one of the most rewarding experiences for the responder.
After dedicating 25 years to serving as the Jasper Fire Chief, Dante Fields has a deep understanding of the community. With this in mind, he firmly believes that Jasper is an ideal location for the installation of this baby box.
According to Fields, a significant number of babies are delivered outside of hospitals. With the growing issue of homelessness, some babies are born without a permanent home and their parents are unable to provide for them. These parents may not have the means to transport their newborns to a safe location, but with our centralized facility, they can bring their babies to us. Fields emphasized the importance of providing a safe space for these vulnerable infants.
Fields envisions a future where Safe Haven Baby Boxes are a commonplace addition to fire stations throughout the nation.
Fields expressed that individuals in Alabama have been utilizing their services, and nearby cities have already received many babies. She hopes that any unwanted babies will be sent their way, as they have undergone training and are enthusiastic about providing assistance.
