Mia Joy Foundation launches support network for NICU families and infant loss

The New Jersey nonprofit has secured federal 501(c)(3) status and is rolling out its first public initiative Aug. 17 across the NYC tri-state area. The launch centers on practical support for families facing NICU stays, stillbirth and infant loss, plus a NICU donation drive tied to what would have been Mia Joy King’s first birthday.

Why it matters: - The Mia Joy Foundation is building hands-on support for families facing some of the most difficult days in pediatric and perinatal care. - The nonprofit focuses on practical help, grief support and material supplies for lower-income NICU units. - Its first public campaign could expand awareness, donations and in-kind support across the NYC tri-state area.

What happened: - The Mia Joy Foundation, a New Jersey nonprofit, received federal recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity. - The Foundation is launching its first public initiative, a community benefit week beginning Aug. 17 across the NYC tri-state area. - The launch week falls on the date window leading into what would have been the first birthday of Mia Joy King, for whom the Foundation is named. - The Foundation was created by Hope Alcocer and Garrett King after their own experience with loss.

The details: - The Foundation operates two programs: The Grief Concierge and The Mia Joy Project. - The Grief Concierge provides coordinated support after the loss of a baby, including funeral home coordination, meals, donated childcare, pet care, and connections to mental health and healing services. - The Mia Joy Project collects donations for NICU units serving lower-income communities. - Requested items include newborn essentials, C-section recovery supplies and gift cards for parents staying in a hospital waiting room. - The Foundation has already completed a NICU drive and is building a network of community drop-off locations. - The Foundation published an Amazon wish list for its NICU drive tied to Mia’s first birthday on Aug. 19. - The wish list will stay live year-round, with donation pushes each summer ahead of the birthday. - A second drive is planned for the holidays, with details due in November. - The first public fundraiser is a series of dine-and-donate nights with local restaurant partners. - Bareburger Montclair has confirmed an all-day event on Saturday, Aug. 23, and will donate 20% of sales when guests mention The Mia Joy Foundation. - Additional partners will be announced. - The Foundation is seeking ongoing in-kind partners across the tri-state area, including funeral homes, restaurants, mental health providers, doulas, lactation consultants, OB practices and pediatric practices. - The Foundation is also building relationships with hospital systems and regional employers interested in sponsoring program work. - The Foundation serves the NYC tri-state area and has a growing presence in the Midwest. - The Foundation’s EIN is 42-2388492, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. - The Mia Project is a program of The Mia Joy Foundation. - More information is available at miajoyfoundation.org. - Social accounts listed include The Mia Joy Foundation on Instagram and The Mia Joy Project on Instagram.

Between the lines: - The Foundation is emphasizing logistics-heavy help, not just emotional support, which can fill a gap for families overwhelmed by immediate tasks after loss. - The separate focus on dads suggests the organization is trying to address grief support that often goes unacknowledged. - The mix of donation drives, restaurant fundraisers and in-kind partnerships points to a community-based funding model rather than a single large grant approach.

What's next: - The community benefit week begins Aug. 17. - The Mia Joy Foundation’s first confirmed fundraising event is Aug. 23 at Bareburger Montclair. - The Foundation plans to announce holiday drive details in November. - The organization is continuing to recruit partners, donors and sponsors across the tri-state area.