Facts and Questions
Commonly asked questions and facts about how Mom Starts Here supports parents with dignity, compassion, and practical help.
Who does Mom Starts Here serve?
We serve pregnant women and parents in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Oneida, and Montgomery Counties who are navigating challenging life circumstances. This includes families facing homelessness, limited income, pregnancy, mental or behavioral health challenges, lack of support systems, and more.
Everyone is welcomed with dignity—no judgment, no prerequisites, other than being Medicaid eligible.
How do I become a Mom Starts Here member?
Membership is simple and free.
You can join by clicking here:
There is no intake process. Once you sign up, you can walk into our Baby Item Network Sites or participate in any programs listed under Programs & Membership.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
What is the Baby Item Network?
The Baby Item Network is a group of Mom Starts Here satellite locations located within other community organizations. Mom Starts Here members can walk in without an appointment to a site convenient to them. All of the hours and location information is listed under the Baby Item Network page under Programs & Memberships.
Network sites carry diapers and sometimes clothing and accessories. Sites that have clothing and accessories are listed that way on the website map. Please see the Baby Furniture program section for information about furniture, as we do not provide baby furniture items at Network Sites.
How it works:
Once you’re a member, you can visit Baby Item Network Sites monthly for diapers and receive a seasonal supply of clothing. If more than one trip is needed to obtain a season’s worth, that is fine!
Availability varies based on donations and inventory.
How can I get baby furniture?
If you are currently pregnant, please join our Pregnancy Club. More information can be found under the Programs & Membership Tab. Pack n Plays and Car seats are provided after completion of the Pregnancy Club program for Pregnant moms.
If you are not pregnant, you can submit an application for a Pack n Play and/or Car seat under the Baby Furniture section under Programs & Membership. Applications are reviewed weekly on Monday’s. Car seats are only available for Albany County residents when Albany County Car Seat funding is unavailable.
For other baby furniture items such as strollers, bath tubs, bouncers, chairs, high-chairs, play centers, bassinets and more, please visit the Mom Starts Here Baby Item Library located at Trinity Alliance, at 15 Trinity Pl, Albany. Open Tuesdays from 9am-12pm. These furniture items are donated but go through cleaning, inspection and are checked for recalls. Instructions for use are provided upon rental. Items can be borrowed from the Baby Item Library for 6 months and returned. 4 items can be borrowed at a time. Extensions are permitted when items are still being used by families beyond 6 months.
How does the Diaper Benefit Card program work?
This program provides eligible families with a monthly diaper card that can be used in stores or online. This program is by invitation only and is not currently accepting new families.
What is the Community Health Worker (CHW) Home Visitor Program?
Our CHW Home Visitors walk alongside Schenectady families experiencing high-risk life situations—such as homelessness, substance use, mental or behavioral health concerns, and limited social support.
What CHWs provide:
Pregnancy and postpartum education
Goal setting and individualized support
System navigation (housing, insurance, WIC, benefits, enrollment help)
Referrals to mental health, medical care, and community resources
Regular home, community, or virtual visits
The goal is to strengthen families’ stability, confidence, and long-term success.
Do you offer parenting classes or peer support?
Yes. We provide:
Peer groups for parents to connect, learn, and grow
Workshops on pregnancy, postpartum recovery, child development, and stress management
Take-home education materials designed to equip parents with practical tools
These sessions are free for members and designed to be welcoming and non-judgmental.
What happened to the Mom Starts Here Mobile App?
The Mom Starts Here Mobile App is currently not active. We are redeveloping a new app that will be released in 2026. Stay tuned! In the meantime, all pertinent information is available on this website.
How do I volunteer?
We have ongoing opportunities for volunteers to help sort and manage donations at our storage facility in Schenectady. Night and Weekend groups are set when an adequate number of volunteers are available.
We also have 4 Community Baby Shower events a year that have opportunities for individual volunteers or groups. You can sign up by completing the form under the Give tab, give time.
GETTING SUPPORT
How often can I request help?
Members can typically request baby items once per month and attend events or groups as often as they’d like.
Home visiting families meet with their CHW weekly or biweekly, depending on need.
Is there a cost for any MSH services?
No. All services, groups, baby items, and support programs are completely free.
How do I donate baby items?
We gratefully accept new and gently used baby and toddler items.
You can donate by dropping them off at the locations listed under Give, Give items. (Donations Accepted)
We cannot accept expired car seats, used breast pumps, cribs, or other larger furniture items.
We are not able to pick up any donations from your home.
How can organizations partner with Mom Starts Here?
We collaborate with clinics, schools, nonprofits, and community agencies to build a stronger support network for families.
Partnerships may include:
Hosting a Baby Item Network site
Referring clients
Sharing space for events
Providing materials or volunteers
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities or request an MOU.
How can I support Mom Starts Here financially?
You can donate online under Give, Give Money. We also welcome donation drives for baby toiletry items and other essentials. Each year we have Adopt a Family sign-ups for Holiday Giving as well. Are you a corporate supporter? You can sponsor a Baby Item Network site, contribute to our annual appeal, or support us through seasonal campaigns.
Monthly giving helps us provide consistent diapers, car seats, pack n play cribs, and emergency support to families who need it most.
Can I refer someone to Mom Starts Here?
Absolutely! Providers, community organizations, friends, and family members are encouraged to refer new members to sign up under the Programs & Membership Tab.
What events do you host throughout the year?
We host:
Community Baby Showers (in Partnership with Trinity Alliance)
Holiday Party for Families
Weekly Peer Groups
Many events include free supplies, food, learning opportunities, and community connections.