Our Story
Why We Began
Nearly one in three babies in Peoria County is born without the benefit of consistent prenatal care - a statistic that Day One is determined to rewrite through love, support and practical resources.
Founded in 2025, Day One is a nonprofit organization based in Peoria Illinois. Inspired by Finland’s long-standing baby box tradition, we created the Day One Box to provide practical essentials, education, and encouragement for new parents in Peoria.
We partner with local healthcare providers and community organizations to reach families early, reward consistent prenatal care, and celebrate the birth of every child with dignity and love.
What's in the Day One Box?
The Day One Box is a curated kit of newborn essentials and educational materials that help parents feel prepared and ensure that each child has a sense of equality from the start. Each Box contains $300 worth of essentials including:
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Safe Sleep bags
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Diapers and Wipes
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Baby Clothing
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Bath Essentials
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First-days guides
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Local resources
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and more
How it Works
1
Create your Parent Profile. Answer a few questions about you and baby.
2
Attend at least 4 prenatal appointments with your healthcare provider and upload proof of visits to your Parent Profile.
3
Let us know through your Parent Portal when baby is born and we will deliver your free Day One Box to your hospital room!
Who We Serve
We serve expectant parents in Peoria, Illinois who meet our program's simple eligibility requirements, including having attended 4 prenatal appointments during the course of their pregnancy. If you would like to read our full eligibility requirements, please check out of FAQ section by clicking the button below.
Our Team
Our team combines lived experience, clinical insight, and community leadership to serve local families with excellence.
Laura Swanson
Founder and CEO
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Board Treasurer
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Board President
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Board Secretary
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Board Vice President
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Board Member
FAQ's
Question: Who qualifies for a Day One Box? To receive a Day One Box, applicants must meet all the following criteria: 1. Residency: The expecting parent must reside in Peoria County, Illinois, at the time of application and delivery. 2. Current Pregnancy: The Day One Box is available once per pregnancy per child, and must correspond to the applicant's current pregnancy. 3. Prenatal Care Visits: The applicant must provide proof of attending at least four (4) prenatal care visits by uploading each after visit summary. 4. Location: The boxes will only be delivered to addresses within Peoria County, Illinois. 5. No Income or Financial Screening: Eligibility for the Day One Box is not based on income or financial status. The program is open to all expecting parents in Peoria County Illinois that meet the above requirements. 6. Application Timing: The application must be completed 30 days prior to the expected delivery date, and the proof of the 4 prenatal visits must be uploaded before delivery.
Question: How do I prove my prenatal visits? Uploading your after visit summary given to you by your provider is the easiest way to prove you attended a prenatal exam.
Question: How do I receive my Day One Box? Upon the birth of your child, log into your Parent Portal and let us know that the baby has arrived! You will be asked several questions about the birth and you will be asked if you'd like your box delivered to you at the hospital before you are discharged, or to your home address within 1 week of being home. Once we have been notified, a member of our team will reach out to you at the phone number provided to coordinate delivery.