Feature: Michelle Schaefer, CEO and founder of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC)
What started as one mother’s determination to ease her child’s pain has grown into a statewide movement addressing one of the most overlooked basic needs: access to diapers and hygiene essentials.
In this Spotlight Session, Michelle Schaefer, CEO and founder of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC), shares the deeply personal moment that sparked the organization’s founding. After watching her youngest son suffer from severe diaper rashes, Michelle realized how many families face impossible choices between diapers and other necessities. With public assistance programs like WIC and SNAP unable to cover diapers, she saw a gap that urgently needed to be filled.
From a single laundry basket of diapers to four warehouse locations serving communities across North Carolina, DBNC’s growth is rooted in strong partnerships and a commitment to dignity. Today, the organization distributes diapers, period products, adult incontinence supplies, infant formula, and other essential items, while also leading research and advocacy efforts to reduce barriers to access.
By working through trusted nonprofit and community partners, DBNC ensures families receive support through programs they already rely on, making help consistent and accessible statewide.
View this Spotlight Session with Michelle Schaefer to learn how DBNC turned a simple idea into a powerful, scalable model for impact and where the organization is headed next. If you’re interested in learning more about this outstanding .ORG check out https://pir.org/for-orgs/org-in-action/distributing-dignity-across-north-carolina/ to learn more.