According to a 2025 study from LendingTree, the average middle class American family can expect to spend between $16,490 and $36,472 annually on child-related expenses. These rates represent a 35.7% increase from 2023, and for families with newborns, those numbers can be even higher.
Our Bright Beginnings Baby Showers provide new and expecting veteran families with help navigating these increasing childcare costs.
Graciela, a Navy veteran and mom of a three-year-old, was ecstatic to welcome a new baby into her family.
Though working full-time, as her due date neared, Graciela began to feel the weight of financially preparing to adjust to a single income and welcome her baby.
She confided in a friend and a fellow veteran about the financial stress she was experiencing. Her friend recommended that she reach out to our programs’ team. Graciela didn’t hesitate to reach out and was thrilled when our team registered her for our upcoming Baby Shower.
“I am so thankful for the Bright Beginnings Baby Shower. Babies are expensive, and it is just so intimidating to think about all the additional expenses. With the Baby Shower, I received so many items that I needed for my baby’s arrival – from baby wipes, to diapers, to a brand-new car seat, and more! FFWW just made it more doable and affordable. Thank you so much!”
Through our programs, Graciela found necessities for her family, connected with other veterans, and learned about our other services.
Graciela credits the baby shower for introducing her to other programs that have helped her family. She has since taken advantage of our online financial education and professional development classes and returned to school to bolster her growing family’s future.
Because of you, Graciela walked away from our Bright Beginnings Baby Shower with more than items for her nursery. Because of you, she left with a community of support, and new confidence for this chapter, and the next. This is Your Impact!
