Daphne, AL (May 28, 2025): The City of Daphne and the Daphne Fire Department invite you to join them for the official Blessing Ceremony of the Safe Haven Baby Box, the first in Baldwin County. This addition to Daphne Fire Station #5 represents a significant step forward in both the City of Daphne and the Safe Haven organization’s mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an infant.
“We are proud to offer this vital lifesaving service in the City of Daphne,” says Mayor Robin LeJeune. “While we hope no mother ever faces the difficult choice of surrendering her baby, we are passionate about providing this option to utilize the Baby Box as a thoughtful surrender location. The Safe Haven Baby Box would not have been possible without the dedication of local advocates who brought awareness in bringing this
resource to our community. I would like to thank resident Carolyn Courson, Daphne City Councilman Steve Olen, and Daphne Fire Chief LeAnn Tacon for their dedication to this project.
Daphne’s Safe Haven Baby Box would not have been possible without the assistance of dedicated and caring sponsors, including Rolin Construction, 1-800-BOARDUP, Hunter Security, and the Kids to Love organization (Madison, Alabama).
The ceremony will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST at Daphne Fire Station #5, located at 9909 Milton Jones Road, Daphne, Alabama.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey on a mission to end infant abandonment. In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1. Twenty-one states have a Baby Box presence within their state. Kelsey shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to
have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
Since 2017, 58 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National Safe Haven Crisis line has assisted with over 150 handoff surrenders. Each year the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of Family Services coordinates the adoption process.
