August 20, 2025

Storks Nest Program Provides Unique Shopping Experience for New Moms

DES MOINES, IOWA  --  EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest store doesn’t accept cash, check, or credit.  The only currency they recognize at its Easton Boulevard headquarters is equity.  The unique program rewards new mothers for taking steps to keep their children healthy and themselves more informed. 

“There is a list of activities that they're able to do to earn points, such as going to their OB appointments, their ultrasound appointments, following up with that care,” says Stork’s Nest Program Assistant Cystal Lozano, “by attending those appointments (they) earn points ... if they're working, if they're taking any educational classes - such as parenting or prenatal - they earn points that way as well.” 

How Can EveryStep Help You?

Those points are then cashed in at the Stork’s Nest for diapers, wipes, formulas, baby clothes and more.  “Once they have some points to spend, they come meet with us by appointment and we meet them here in the office and they get to shop for those needed items,” says Crystal. 

Expecting mothers who are EveryStep clients sign up during their pregnancy and can remain in the program through their child’s first birthday. 

Most participants work to maximize their points, and in doing so better equip themselves as parents while also helping their kids.  Crystal says “there's families that they try to get as much as possible that's on that list. They look at the list and they're like ... ‘what else can I do to turn points?’” 

How You Can Help

Crystal knows personally how important the Stork’s Nest Program is for new moms – because she is a former client. 

“It was a big help, because back then, I wasn't in a good financial position. So being part of the Storks nest definitely helped me. I was able to get a crib through the program, and a mattress, so those are big items that I needed at the time,” she says, “I took the prenatal classes and the parenting classes that was offered through Stork's Nest. “ 

Crystal says she’s thankful for the help she received then and is proud to be able to return the favor now.  “The best thing about working here, I would say is just being able to give back and being able to work with the families and work with the moms ... but also being able to provide resources if they're needing other help with education or if they have questions ... we can refer them to or point them in the right direction.”