Lynn Viater

Founder and Executive Director, Diaper Bank of Northern Indiana
South Bend, Indiana

Lynn's inspiration to start Diaper Bank of Northern Indiana started with an article about another diaper bank. "I came upon a story about Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona," she recalls, "and, as a mom and grandmom, the thought of a baby without a clean diaper was too much to bear. Watching my little grandkids, I thought, I can do this."

Soon after reading the article, in 2008, Lynn started Diaper Bank of Michiana, which recently changed its name to Diaper Bank of Northern Indiana and distributes diapers through 6 social service agencies. While she is beginning to hold events to raise funds, which Lynn says is her greatest challenge, most of the diapers are donated. Since the beginning, Diaper Bank of Northern Indiana has received enormous support from the community, which holds diaper drives and donates warehouse space.

"Everyone has a duty to get involved," says Lynn. "I can't think of a more worthwhile mission than giving diapers to moms who can't afford them. With this basic need met, mothers will be less stressed. Taking this huge burden off them will let them focus on other needs, like getting an education, to make their life better. This is multi-tiered—I hope it ultimately helps break the cycle of poverty."

Proud to be on the ground floor of the Every Little Bottom Program, Lynn says: "To partner on this program is thrilling. I hope we can tell this story 30 years from now and everyone will be awed at what a difference we made." She considers the campaign a dream come true since it will provide the resources to educate and raise awareness across the country in one fell swoop.

Lynn is convinced that diapers are so important they could even break down social barriers. She explains: "if everyone who could afford it picked up an extra pack of diapers when they shopped, people on the receiving end would feel so supported and loved, it could start a whole cycle of very good things to come."