Each year, nearly 1 in 10 infants in the United States is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), reflecting the specialized care many newborns require. In 2023, the NICU admission rate was 9.8%, up from 8.7% in 2016—a 13% increase over seven years (CDC, 2025).
Across the Northeast—home to some of the nation’s leading hospitals and NICU programs—families may face both the advantages and challenges of care within high-volume medical systems. States such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut maintain strong NICU networks, while rural families in states like Maine and Vermont may need to travel longer distances for specialized care. Preterm birth rates across the region range from 7.6% in Massachusetts to 9.4% in New York, according to the March of Dimes 2024 Report Card.
To help, we’ve compiled a guide to Northeastern region NICU resources offering peer support, financial assistance, care packages, and community connection. These programs help families feel more supported, less isolated, and better equipped to navigate their NICU journey. Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend—because no family should have to walk the NICU journey alone.
Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend—because no family should have to walk the NICU journey alone.
Northeastern Region NICU Resources
Today is a Good Day
Summary: Today is a Good Day is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Pennsylvania that provides hope and community for families experiencing the NICU journey. Through personal connection, peer mentorship, and financial support, they help families find strength and comfort during and after their NICU stay.
What They Offer:
Support & Care Packages: essentials and comfort items for NICU families.
Educational Resources: guidance on navigating the NICU, caring for preterm infants, advocacy checklist, and preparing for life after discharge.
Community Connection: virtual Coffee & Conversation events, NICU Today podcast, NICU Dads group, and other resources.
Location: Pennsylvania, USA; the Delaware Valley; some nationwide resources.
Visit Today is a Good Day’s website here.
The Tiny Miracles Foundation
Summary: The Tiny Miracles Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) that supports families with NICU and premature infants in Fairfield and New Haven Counties in Connecticut.
What They Offer:
Tiny Treasures Supply Bag: includes Tiny Treasures Welcome Bag and the Home Care Starter Kit.
Parent Mentorship: trained preemie parents provide one-on-one or group support directly in partner NICUs.
Blankets for Preemies: provides handmade fleece blankets to Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center neonatal units.
Financial Assistance: available through hospital social workers at partner hospitals for rent, utilities, transportation, or infant care costs.
Other Resources: NICU alumni gatherings, birth trauma support groups, bereavement services, and events.
Location: Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Connecticut.
Visit The Tiny Miracles Foundation’s website here.
Miracle 8 Foundation
Summary: Miracle 8 Foundation is a Connecticut-based nonprofit (501c3) providing comfort, hope, and practical support to families enduring pregnancy or infant loss and those with babies in the NICU.
What They Offer:
NICU Resources: preemie diapers, clothing, books, milk storage bags, and peer support at no cost.
Care Packages: postpartum care items, comfort essentials, and gifts for NICU parents.
Financial Grants: assistance to help offset NICU-related expenses.
Support Groups: free sessions featuring peer connection, guided healing activities, journaling, and gentle movement.
Location: Connecticut, USA.
Visit Miracle 8 Foundation’s website here.
Lily’s Hope Foundation
Summary: Lily’s Hope Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Pennsylvania that supports babies, children, and their families with unexpected and urgent needs due to premature birth.
What They Offer:
Packages of Hope: tailored care packages with essentials for hospital and home, including hospital, sibling, and transitioning-home packages.
Community Engagement: fundraising events and partnerships to expand NICU family support.
Resource & Emotional Support: connects families to community-based and online resources.
New Jersey Chapter: supports St. Clare’s (Denville), Englewood Health (Englewood), and Morristown Medical Center (Morristown) through fundraising, awareness, and direct liaison with NICU partners.
Location: Pennsylvania and New Jersey, USA.
Visit Lily’s Hope Foundation’s website here.
Other Resources:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England - Boston Harbor House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England - Providence House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern New Jersey
Every NICU journey is unique, but no parent has to face it alone. Whether you’re seeking peer mentorship, virtual support groups, care packages, or educational resources, these programs can provide guidance, connection, and practical help. For even more support, visit our digital resource hub (currently being compiled) for additional programs and tools. We’d also love to hear from you, if you’ve found any resources particularly helpful, please share them with us at editorial@connectingmothersinitiative.org.