Donate to the 2026 PREPARES Open Your Heart Appeal. Select your region of the state or donate to the area of greatest need.
PREPARES – Pregnancy & Parenting Support – is our promise to care for mothers and fathers from pregnancy to the child’s fifth birthday – no matter their beliefs. This program is a way we can “walk our talk” about celebrating the gift of life and making sure that no child – born or unborn – is ever abandoned or alone.
As of 2025, PREPARES statewide has been embraced by 197 parishes with over 1000 parish volunteers and companions supporting 27,218 families with one-on-one family companionship and infant and child essentials.
Your financial support enables us to continue the work of PREPARES in the state of Washington. Thank you for giving generously.
Volunteer for PREPARES
The work of PREPARES would not be possible without its network of dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a PREPARES volunteer, check out our 10th anniversary video to learn more about what it means to be involved with PREPARES. You can also learn more about volunteer roles by reading below. To inquire about becoming a volunteer, please contact your regional PREPARES office.
Volunteer Roles
Here are some of the ways that our volunteers support our programs. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below to contact your regional PREPARES office.
Essential needs
Giving to those in need is a great way to make a difference and directly impact families in your community! Parishes can assist families by collecting diapers and gently used clothing for distributing to families through a baby closet, PREPARES Bags (filled with items for children ages newborn through 5), or by collaborating with another parish outreach ministry, like St. Vincent de Paul.
Parish-based events and activities
Lead and/or support activities and events that support families in your community by hosting a Parish Baby Shower, a community diaper distribution, work with your youth group to hold a diaper drive, fundraise for PREPARES with a baby bottle campaign, create a “meal train” for a family with a newborn, and much more!
Family Companions
Family Companions are volunteers who want to walk in encouragement and friendship with a parent or family. You can be trained to provide direct one-on-one support to a PREPARES family experiencing hardship. You can also act as a Companion on a team of volunteers. PREPARES Family Companions agree to commit to at least three visits with a family and on-going support as arranged with the PREPARES family.
Parent groups
Support families by providing weekly groups for parents, or parent and toddlers, to come together and building community. This group can be parish-based or open to parents in your community.
Parent group leaders agree to commit at least two volunteer hours per week or as arranged with the PREPARES Area Coordinator.
Prayer teams
Make the commitment to support PREPARES families through prayer. Create a prayer chain, pray the rosary, or commit to our PREPARES Novena.