All-Options free diaper program moves to Tandem on E 3rd St

Jessica Marchbank has handed out the last of the free diapers and period products that Bloomington’s All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center has been supplying for the past decade.

In February, All-Options’ national leadership said budget shortfalls threaten to close down the nonprofit by summer. So, in order to save money and keep the doors open, the organization streamlined services and stopped funding the Hoosier Diaper and Period Equity programs in Bloomington.

But the flow of these necessities to people who depend on getting them for free won’t cease. That’s because Bloomington-based Tandem, a perinatal health resource center, is taking over the distribution.

Yes. Beginning April 1, diapers, wipes, menstrual products, condoms, emergency contraception, baby clothes and other parenting-related items once available at All-Options can be picked up at the Tandem office on Bloomington’s east side.

“Tandem is an organization who we trust to provide people and families with the same care and compassion we offer at All-Options,” All-Options spokeswoman Taja Lindley said in a news release. “We hold the same values and a commitment to providing services without coercion or judgment.”

Tandem is located at 2613 E. Third St. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Families can take home up to a month’s supply of diapers; no appointment or registration is required.

All-Options’ Hoosier Diaper and Period Equity programs served up to 70 people every week and supplied 20,000 free diapers each month. “With so many local residents struggling to make ends meet, it’s imperative they know where and how they can continue to get the supplies they need,” All-Options said in a news release announcing the Tandem takeover.

Tandem serves people in Monroe, Brown, Owen, Lawrence, Morgan, Greene, and Jackson counties. Tandem has more than 200 drop-in visits a month from families seeking diapers, other supplies and educational resources.

“We are excited to be able to be a one-stop shop now for many of these families,” said Julie Duhon, Tandem’s executive director.

Yes. The headquarters at 1014 S. Walnut St. will remain. Marchbank and volunteers will continue to carry out All-Options' stated mission “to promote unconditional, judgment-free support for people dealing with pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption.”

Yes. The organization will continue to oversee and operate the Hoosier Abortion Fund, which helps pay for abortions for low-income women living in Indiana. To donate, go to the All Options website.

The national nonprofit describes itself as an organization that uses direct service and social change to promote unconditional, judgment-free support for people experiencing pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption. The All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center is secular, client-based and has been providing diapers, period supplies, and other hygiene necessities in Bloomington and Monroe County since 2015.

To learn more, go to: https://alloptionsprc.org

Tandem, a local nonprofit founded in 2020, describes itself as a perinatal and reproductive health resource hub that serves families in Monroe, Brown, Owen, Lawrence, Morgan, Greene and Jackson counties. Expectant and postpartum families can find community, access resources and get parenting support. Tandem seeks to improve birth outcomes by trusting patients, increasing care options and challenging the status quo.

Find out more at: tandembloomington.org/

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at [email protected] or 812-318-5967.