Rowlett marked the unveiling and dedication of its first Safe Haven Baby Box on July 21, adding a new resource designed to provide a safe, legal and anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender a newborn.
The effort was spearheaded by Rowlett-area residents Sarah and Joseph McDermott after Sarah began reading stories about abandoned babies and wanted to find a way to help.
“I kept reading about babies being abandoned and as a mother, I felt I had to do something,” Sarah McDermott said.
Sarah reached out to Safe Haven Baby Boxes and connected with the organization’s founder and CEO, Monica Kelsey. The nonprofit works to provide anonymous surrender options for parents in crisis and seeks to place Safe Haven Baby Boxes in communities across the country.
The McDermotts, parents of two children who are active in the community, received support for the project from Providence Church of Texas, the City of Rowlett and the Rowlett Fire Department. Joseph McDermott is a commercial relationship officer with HomeBank Texas.
Community members and businesses also helped make the project possible, including Michael McDermott, Roofs by Shiloh, Nathan Dunham and an anonymous donor.
According to project organizers, no City of Rowlett funds were used for the Baby Box. The city supported the effort after recognizing a need for the resource in the community.
The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a safe, legal and anonymous option for a parent in crisis to surrender a newborn under Texas’ Safe Haven law. Once a newborn is placed inside, the system allows first responders to quickly take the child into their care.
The project adds another resource for parents facing difficult circumstances while providing an alternative intended to protect newborns and connect them with immediate care.
Those interested in learning more about Safe Haven Baby Boxes or bringing one to their community can visit the organization’s website or call 888-742-2133.
Reporting and photos by Steve Torres, Rockwall Times volunteer reporter.
