Kids and adults unwind at EPS Fun Day

Three hours of bounce-house joy, games, balloons, chalk drawing, giveaways and entertainment – as well as full bellies of carnival delicacies – created loads of happiness for children and their families at the first annual EPS Fun Day.

But the June 6 event was more than “fun for fun’s sake,” according to EPS (Essential Pregnancy Services), who coordinated the festivities with Catholic Charities of Omaha.

“The day provided an important wellness break for moms,” said Bill Barna, director of marketing for EPS.

The Fun Day – at the EPS parking lot at 3171 N. 93rd St. in Omaha – helped boost moods and reduce stress for women who have more than their share of stress, Barna said.

“Under-supported women experience heightened physical, emotional and financial pressure during and after pregnancy,” he said.

Denny Waggoner, EPS executive director, said the Fun Day was designed to give children and adults a much-needed break.

“EPS Fun Day with Catholic Charities was planned as a time for kids to be kids and for their parents to feel like kids again,” Waggoner said. “It was a day of joy and community that fit wonderfully into our efforts to improve not just the health but also the wellness of Omaha area women in the physically, emotionally, and financially stressful days before, during and after pregnancy.”

More than 100 people – EPS clients and their children – took part in the Fun Day.

EPS offered health, nutritional and safety education as part of the event. Police and fire officials were on hand to help build trust and community and to help humanize their services, Barna said.

Mental and physical wellness represents a growing part of what EPS offers women in the Omaha area, he said. “As the demands and complexities of today grow, so does the depth of our care.”

Exhibitors at the Fun Day included the Nebraska Extension’s Nutritional Education Program, Omaha Parks and Recreation, Goodwill Adult Education Center, Douglas County Health Department’s Lead Education and Fetal Infant Mortality Review programs, and Ital Vital Living juices and smoothies.

Life 100.7 Christian Radio played music while Stormy, the Omaha Storm Chasers mascot, entertained participants.

Storm Chasers baseball tickets and a family membership with the Henry Doorly Zoo were raffle prizes.

Catholic Charities gave away jewelry and new clothes from Forever 21.