Baby Steps Annual Report 2024

“Before Baby Steps, I was a single mom just trying to get by. Being a Student-Mom is isolating enough, but not having the person who helped create your baby contribute in any way gave me a different type of hurt. I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to give my son the life he deserves. Then I discovered Baby Steps.

Without Baby Steps I would probably be working all day, while going to school at night. Baby Steps has given me my life back. It has given me the opportunity to actually be a student and a mom. It’s given me the opportunities to give my son the life he deserves.”

- Aubrey Resident Student-Mom Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine

“When I found out I was pregnant, I had no idea how I was going to manage school and a baby. I decided to push on and finish. Nothing about it has been easy, and there were days that I felt like I wouldn’t be able to keep going. But every time I felt like I couldn’t I reminded myself that she is my reason. To give her a better life, to make sure she never went without. Then during my junior year, I found Baby Steps and met moms just like me who were also pursuing degrees. I found a support system - and above all I finally felt understood and seen. I wouldn’t have made it through college without Baby Steps.”

- Cayleigh Baby Steps Graduate Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to lead Baby Steps, a mission that is deeply personal to me. My journey began as the father of a Student-Mom, then as a donor and board member, and now as President & CEO. With this perspective and a genuine understanding of the difference this organization can make in the lives of Student-Moms and their communities, I am committed to guiding Baby Steps into its next phase of growth as we expand regionally and nationally in response to the growing interest on college campuses.

Each year, through our annual report, we are excited to share the incredible impact made possible by your generosity. This past year, the Baby Steps Auburn house remained at full capacity, providing vital support to Student-Moms and Tiny Tigers. Simultaneously, we laid the foundation for Baby Steps at The University of Alabama, where our first Resident Student-Mom and Tiny Trunk moved in. The overwhelming support from the Tuscaloosa and Auburn communities has been truly inspiring, reinforcing the urgent need for our mission.

Currently, there are three other university communities that are actively working to raise the necessary funds to help us launch Baby Steps on their campuses. As we expand, our operational needs grow as well. To ensure the sustainability of our mission, we are launching Every Step Counts—a national fundraising campaign designed to share the Baby Steps story and inspire critical action.

Your support has been instrumental in changing the lives of StudentMoms and their babies. We are deeply grateful. As we look ahead, we hope you will continue to walk alongside us as we extend the reach of Baby Steps to new campus communities and to the Student-Moms who need us.

With heartfelt appreciation for your generosity,

President & CEO Baby Steps

The Baby Steps Team

Board

Auburn Hub Auburn Hub

Established in 2017, our Auburn Hub is a vibrant community that works together to create a supportive and empowering environment. As a Walker Hub, Auburn is fully operational and providing comprehensive support to Student-Moms.

Staff:

Michelle Schultz

Founder & Auburn Hub Executive Director

Patrina Dow, PhD Director of Student-Mom Advocacy

Grace Clemmer Photographer & Social Media Manager

Bridget Tan Campus Liaison

January 2024

• Birmingham Golden Gathering

• Budgeting Basics Enrichment Event

February 2024

• Time Management Enrichment Event

April 2024

• Tiger Giving Day: Student-Mom Scholarship

• Childhood Behaviors Enrichment Event

May 2024

• Student-Mom graduation

July 2024

• Welcomed three new Resident Student-Moms

August 2024

• Welcomed one new Resident Student-Mom. House at full capacity.

• Alpha Gamma Delta Chapter hosts donation drive & fundraiser

• Healthy Friendships & Communication Tools Enrichment Event

October 2024

• Playground built by McWhorter School of Building Science

• Annual Trunk or Treat

November 2024

• Iron Giving Challenge

• Annual Friendsgiving

• Inaugural Auburn Hub Golf Tournament

• Mental Health & Wellness Enrichment Event

December 2024

• Pottery Painting Enrichment Event

• Student-Mom graduation

Alabama Hub Alabama Hub

As our newest Hub, Baby Steps at The University of Alabama is just beginning its journey. We look forward to reporting complete metrics as they develop.

Staff: Mary Caillouet Alabama Hub Executive Director

Rachel Ferguson Photographer & Social Media Manager

November 2022

• Alabama selected as a pilot site for expansion

June 2023

• Mary Caillouet hired as Hub Executive Director

August 2023

• On-Campus Student Organization formed

June - August 2024

• Open the Doors Campaign

November 2024

• Reached full funding

• Baby Steps at The University of Alabama, LLC formally incorporated

• Signed lease for Baby Steps Bama House

• Advisory Board Formed

January 2025

• First Resident StudentMom and Tiny Trunk move-in to the Baby Steps Bama house

By the Numbers:

61%

7th anniversary

1st President & CEO of college students who face an unplanned pregnancy do not complete their education because they lack the resources to be both a student and a parent.

1st Gala at Alabama Hub

490

Total Volunteers

2nd Hub opened

215 total StudentMoms served

1,091

Total Donors

1st Golf Tournment at Auburn Hub

59 Counseling sessions 70+ meals

We are grateful for the ongoing support of our donors and volunteers. We are pleased to highlight some of them here.

Top Donors

• Auburn Community Church

• Stan and Beth Westjohn

• Specialized Services Company (Michelle Walker)

• Dr. James and Mrs. Kathryn Evans

• Travis L. Rabren Foundation

• Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church

• Alice Hare

• Tom and Cordia Harrington

• R&R Landscaping (Charlie and Claire Goldman)

• Kim Canaday

• Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

• Cox Family Foundation

Top Volunteers

Alabama Hub:

• Curi DiChiara

• Neal DiChiara

• Kim Harwood

• Audrey Vermilyea

• Laura Armistead

• Lindsay O’Quinn

• Olivia Stratdman

Auburn Hub:

• Baby Steps campus club

• Connie Tisdale

• Mike Hamilton

• Shawn Goodrich

• Stephen Hamby

• AU Building Science

• Knights of Columbus Meals

Baby Steps Graduates Baby Steps Graduates

Kaitlyn Taylor, 2018 Doctorate of Physical Therapy Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science

Charlton Jones, 2018 Master of Arts in Communication Management Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Teeja Miles, 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

Amber Lee, 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Merchandising

Kaitlyn Sheffeild, 2020 Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Tasha Miles, 2020 Master of Arts in Community Planning

Rachel Neneck, 2020 Bachelor of Science in Building Science

Lauren Carter, 2020 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Anna Claire White, 2020 Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

Kat Ewing, 2020 Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Alexa Patti, 2020 Bachelor of Science in Journalism

Emily Brown, 2021 Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology

Madison Parker, 2021 Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

Reagan Tetrault, 2021 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Caroline Krista, 2021 Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine

Brittany Grant, 2021 Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

Ashley Greenwood, 2021 Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science

Sidney Whitfield, 2022 Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Enterprise Management

Kaitlyn Rancher, 2022

Master of Science in Elementary Education Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Julianna Rezek, 2023 Bachelor of Science Agricultural Science

Neat Tinsley, 2023 Bachelor of Social Science Education

Veronica Neeley, 2023 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance

Kelis McGhee, 2023 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Raven Baught, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Laken Nix, 2023

Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design

Anna Arrington, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Human Development

Emery Jones, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Jenna Hall, 2023

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

Olivia Jones, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Karlee Hamner, 2023 Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Cayleigh Webb, 2024 Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Tyneshia Civers, 2024 Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Allie Hagler, 2024

Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems

Neely Wiggins, 2024

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alexis Dunn, 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Raeden Gagliano, 2024

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and Economics

Skye Kretzinger, 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit Administration

Kate Calixtro , 2024

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

Veronica Taylor, 2024 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Smith, 2024 Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Abby Turkia, 2024

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently Asked

Is Baby Steps funded by the universities/colleges they serve?

No. Baby Steps is its own 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is funded mostly by individual, one-time, and monthly tax-deductible donations.

Are Baby Steps Hubs located on campus?

No. The Hub houses are not located on campus but are conveniently located close to campus.

Does Baby Steps charge Student-Moms for services?

No. All of our resources are provided at no cost to Student-Moms and are funded by our donors.

Is Baby Steps faith-based?

No. We are not a faith-based organization. We serve Student-Moms regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs.

Is Baby Steps politically affiliated?

No. We believe in empowering Student-Moms without any hidden agenda. We aim to provide a supportive and empowering space for every Student-Mom. In a world that can be extremely divided, we are proud to be an organization that brings people with differing opinions and views together.

Does Baby Steps plan on expanding to other campuses?

Yes! Baby Steps is actively working to expand and establish new Hubs.

Take the Next Step Take the Next Step Take the Next Step

You can have a powerful impact on Student-Moms striving to complete their education in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy.

Your gift, whether monthly or multi-year is critically important because… Every Step Counts