Matrona?

“As Brené Brown puts it, “I went to church thinking it would be like an epidural, that it would take the pain away . . . But church isn’t like an epidural; it’s like a midwife . . . I thought faith would say, ‘I’ll take away the pain and discomfort, but what it ended up saying was, ‘I’ll sit with you in it.” -Rachel Held Evans

Matrona is a word that has several meanings in different languages but it was chosen because it means “midwife” in Gaelic. Matrona is a place where the church can offer support during the struggle of raising the next generation. We do not pretend that we can solve every family’s problems, but we offer what help we can and sit with them through the tough spots.

What kind of help?

We offer 2 locations of our free stores. At these locations you may shop for whatever you need. All items are donated to us and this allows us to give generously. Because our supplies vary, we never know what we’ll have each week. But you can expect lots of children’s clothes from size Preemie to 14/16, toys, books, and other items that kids outgrow.

In addition to this material help, our volunteers are available to talk over potty training struggles, sleep (or the lack there of) issues, temper tantrums or other struggles of parenthood. Most of our volunteers are parents too and we are happy to share our experience.

How can I help?

Pray for us!

Volunteer with us!

Donate anything your kids have grown out of!

Donate money to help with our operating costs or in purchasing diapers and formula!

When and what can I donate?

You can bring donations of any children’s item that can be used again. Clothing(preemie to size 14/16), baby gear(strollers, bouncers, bath tubs, bottles), shoes, toys, books, etc. These can be brought during out public hours at either location. Items should be clean and gently used. Anything expired or broken should not be brought in. If you’ll need assistance in unloading, please call ahead and let us know you’re coming.

What can I expect?

If you come to our Cabot location, you’ll enter by the doors nearest the playground and walk down the hall. Matrona occupies a room on either side of the hallway. On the right, you’ll see our sitting area, donation collection bin and a lot of kids clothing in all sizes. On the left you’ll see toys, books, baby gear and furniture, diapers and formula. You will likely see lots of kids playing here and in the hall way. Our volunteers will greet you and ask if you need help. When you have collected all the items you want, you will check in with one of them to record what you’re taking. If it’s your first time, you’ll fill out a short intake form. Then you will take your items home and enjoy them.

If you come to the Butler location, you will enter the building from the Cliff Street entrance. Our security person will check you in. You’ll then walk back to the Matrona room where you’ll see lots of clothing, toys and other necessary items. Our volunteers will greet you and assist you in finding what you need and you’ll check out before you go. Diapers will be available once per month and you can request formula if you need it. On your way out with your items you’ll check out with our security person at the door before heading home to enjoy your items.

How much is it?

It’s free! Matrona doesn’t charge for anything. These stores are free.

In order to keep them free, we ask that you use the items you get from our stores in the spirit in which they are given. When your child grows out of them please feel free to pass them on to someone else in the same manner. If you can’t find someone who wants it, bring it back to one of our locations and we will find someone who needs it. These items are given in love and should never be resold. If we ever find out that a patron of Matrona is reselling items they will no loner be allowed back. We have never had to enforce this policy and we hope that never changes.