Creating change with a helping hand

The ripple effect of helping even a single person has untold potential, which Doni Stephens knows both as someone who once needed assistance and now supports others through her work.

“My connection to Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is deeply personal,” says Stephens, a registered nurse and clinical laboratory scientist. “As a former participant during nursing school, I attended the same Bloomington clinic where I now work.”

Stephens provides nutrition education, community resource connections and breastfeeding support to eligible families through her work with the Monroe County WIC office, which is run by the IU Health Community Health team in Bloomington.

Unlike other assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides tailored food packages and small allowances for fruits and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, cereals, juice, and protein sources like peanut butter or beans.

Stephens and her team member Whitney Callahan formed the idea to further support these individuals and others by offering hygiene products in a central location within the Community Health building.

“While the community offers resources like food pantries and diaper depots, options for hygiene items were noticeably lacking,” says Stephens, who took the initiative to bring the hygiene pantry to life.

Supported by donations from IU Health team members, the Community Health Foundation Fund and local businesses, the project has grown and provides even more support to individuals in need.

“Over time, the hygiene closet evolved into an essentials pantry, offering a variety of items tailored to community needs,” continues Stephens.

The pantry itself operates on a self-serve model with multilingual signs inviting individuals to use the provided grocery bags to take what they need. It’s checked daily, sometimes multiple times a day, to replenish supplies and a sign inside the closet directs users to the front desk if they need an item not currently available.

“Supporting members of our community in need is vital to fostering a healthier, more equitable society,” says Stephens. “When we help individuals overcome barriers to essential resources—whether through access to food, hygiene products, or other necessities—we create opportunities for them to thrive and contribute to the community’s wellbeing.”

She adds that acts of support can strengthen social connections, promote dignity and demonstrate that everyone deserves care and compassion. Addressing these needs can help improve individual lives while also build a stronger, more resilient community for all.

“This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit of WIC and Community Health and reflects our commitment to addressing unmet needs in our community,” says Stephens. “I am honored to play a role in this initiative, helping bridge gaps and empower families to thrive.”

Interested in helping? Donations of hygiene items or household essentials can be dropped off during business hours at Community Health in Bloomington. Please reach out to Stephens or Amy Meek, Community Health director, for more details.