“Both of us were working on the same idea separately and sometime near the end of December or beginning of January we started talking about it collectively,” said Coppoc.
As for their motivation: “Both of us have struggled as young women trying to raise healthy families and we would like to help other women in the same circumstances,” said Coppoc.
Thompson’s desire to help pregnant women goes back to her own days of pregnancy. She has suffered the loss of two children and deeply hopes to honor them through her work with the center.
“Every life is truly a gift from above,” emphasized Thompson.
Once these ladies got the ball rolling, everything started to fall into place. They are partnering with several well-established organizations. Cradle of Hope will supply Pack n Plays
and emergency grants to Gifts From Above clients with great need. Bethany Social Services, Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Social Services will be providing adoption counseling and services for those who desire them. Public Health, Healthy Families, WIC, Crime Victim’s Crisis Center, Breastfeeding Coalition and Mayo Health Systems Albert Lea are just some of the local agencies offering their medical, physical and emotional support to parents utilizing the programs at Gifts From Above.
Aside from networking with already established programs, Coppoc and Thompson have developed some of their own programming. For the Earn While You Learn program, parents can earn points for things such as attending scheduled appointments, participating in education programs and practicing healthy habits. The points earned will be turned into currency, or Baby Bucks, which can be used to purchase essential baby items particular to each family’s individual needs.
“Our goal is to empower women to make good decisions and provide for their families,” said Thompson.
While it may seem like the Gifts from Above team has it all figured out, there is still a need for volunteers. Some of the opportunities include cleaning, laundry, nursery staff, boutique staff, reception, and peer advising. There is also a great need for donations. Gifts From Above is accepting donations of baby clothes, diapers, bottles, baby food, formula, baby hygiene items and baby safety items. Monetary gifts are being accepted and can be made out to First Baptist Church, 335 W Clark, Albert Lea, and designated to Gifts From Above. Contributions are tax deductible.
Above all, “Our end goal is to have healthy mamas and healthy babies and healthy families,” said Thompson.
