-A Safe Haven for Every Child: Join Us for the Manitowoc County Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing-
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.Manitowoc Fire Station 3 | 3820 Dewey Street, Manitowoc
Every child deserves the opportunity for a safe beginning. Every parent deserves the chance to make a safe decision for their child, even in the most difficult circumstances.
On Wednesday, October 28, our community will come together to recognize an important step in protecting the lives of newborns: the Manitowoc County Safe Haven Baby Box. Everyone is welcome to attend this special event, which will include a short presentation recognizing the many community partners and donors who made this project possible, followed by a blessing of the Safe Haven Baby Box.
This initiative represents what can happen when a community comes together around a shared commitment to protecting children and supporting families.
What Is the Safe Haven Law?
Wisconsin's Safe Haven Law was enacted on April 3, 2001. It provides a legal way for a parent to safely and anonymously surrender an unharmed newborn without fear of prosecution for abandonment, provided the surrender meets the requirements of the law.
Originally, the law applied to newborns who were 72 hours old or younger. In December 2023, Wisconsin passed legislation allowing approved newborn safety devices, commonly known as Safe Haven Baby Boxes, to be installed in qualifying locations. Then, in 2026, Wisconsin expanded the age limit for safe surrender from 72 hours to 30 days.
These changes recognize that parents can face overwhelming circumstances and that having a safe, confidential option can make a critical difference. The law provides an alternative to unsafe abandonment and connects surrendered infants with appropriate care and protection.
What Is a Safe Haven Baby Box?
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, temperature-controlled safety device installed in an approved location, such as a qualifying fire station, hospital, or law enforcement facility. It allows a parent to safely and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant without having to hand the baby directly to another person.
When an infant is placed inside, an alarm alerts personnel inside the building so trained responders can promptly retrieve the baby and arrange for appropriate medical care and protection.
The purpose is simple but profound: to provide a safe, legal option for a parent who feels unable to care for their newborn, while protecting the child's life and well-being.
The Baby Box does not replace the other options already available under Wisconsin's Safe Haven Law. A parent may also surrender an unharmed infant directly to an eligible law enforcement officer, emergency medical services practitioner, or hospital staff member. The Baby Box adds another option for someone who may be unable or unwilling to approach another person face-to-face.
For a parent experiencing fear, panic, isolation, or a crisis, that additional option may be life-changing.
Why This Mission Matters to The Crossing
At The Crossing of Manitowoc County, our mission is to provide emotional, educational, material, and spiritual support to parents, empowering them to become strong, resilient families. We believe every child deserves a healthy family.
Much of our work focuses on walking alongside parents before a crisis occurs. Through parenting education, pregnancy support, medical services, material assistance, and ongoing relationships, we help parents build the confidence and resources they need to care for their children.
We also recognize that not every situation is the same. Some parents face circumstances so difficult that they believe they cannot safely parent their newborn. In those moments, protecting the child's life must remain a priority.
The Safe Haven Baby Box and The Crossing's services address different needs, but they share an important purpose: protecting children and making sure families have options during difficult circumstances.
The Crossing advocates for safe surrender as a life-affirming option. We believe parents should know that a legal, confidential path exists to protect their newborn when they feel unable to provide care. Supporting this option does not diminish our commitment to helping parents who want to raise their children. Rather, it reflects our belief that every child deserves safety, and every parent deserves to know what options are available.
Our hope is always to help families move from crisis toward stability. The Safe Haven Baby Box provides an additional safety net for circumstances in which a parent chooses a different path.
A Community Effort That Deserves to Be Celebrated
Bringing the Safe Haven Baby Box to Manitowoc County has required cooperation, generosity, and a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
The Crossing is honored to be part of this collective effort alongside the public agencies, community organizations, businesses, foundations, donors, and individuals who helped make this project possible. Each partner has contributed to a common goal: ensuring that a parent in crisis has a safe option and that a newborn can receive the care and protection they deserve.
This project is a reminder that caring for children is a community responsibility. When organizations and individuals work together, we can create resources that offer hope and protect lives.
Join Us on October 28
We invite you to join us as we recognize the people and organizations who helped bring this resource to Manitowoc County and bless the Safe Haven Baby Box.
Manitowoc County Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
Manitowoc Fire Station 33820 Dewey Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Everyone is welcome. We hope you will join us for this meaningful occasion as our community comes together to support a safer future for babies and families.
At The Crossing, we believe every child deserves a healthy family. We are grateful to be part of a community that shares a commitment to protecting life, supporting parents, and ensuring that no child is without the opportunity for a safe beginning.
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