Having two kids in diapers is a challenge, and it's even harder when buying all those diapers soaks up a big chunk of your monthly income.

Tasha Looper, 23, of Medford, has been spending about a fourth of her income on diapers, but she won't have that expense to worry about for the next few months. She and dozens of other parents will receive free disposable diapers when they participate in parenting classes offered by five Southern Oregon social service agencies.

The Medford Rogue Rotary and Rotary District 5110 donated $4,000 to buy the diapers, and now they're looking for funding to keep the project going, said Paul Robinson, a club member.

"This is a particular niche need in the community that has not been addressed up until now," said Robinson, who works for Planned Parenthood. "Diapers are a real problem for people to be able to purchase."

The assistance is intended to help drug-addicted mothers and those trying to leave an abusive partner, Robinson said. Easing one more financial burden can prevent vulnerable women from putting themselves in dangerous situations, he added.

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Parents will receive diapers when they enroll in classes sponsored by OnTrack, Community Health Center, Jackson County Health and Human Services, La Clinica del Valle and The Family Nurturing Center.

"The clients that come into our program have absolutely nothing, and (buying diapers is) a struggle for them," said Naomi Levich, clinical director for OnTrack.

Weekly parenting classes are mandatory for Moms Program participants, Levich said, and cover everything from basic care to building a child's self-esteem. Clients usually stay in the residential treatment facility for three to four months, she said. "A lot of the time, people wouldn't go in on their own," said Moms resident Misti Yoshiwara of Medford. Her 6-week-old son was born while she was in treatment for meth and marijuana addictions.

"A lot of people who would use (the diapers) as an incentive need the parenting skills," she said.

The Rotary's initial supply of diapers will last for about six months, Robinson estimated.

The club also is looking to purchase and distribute training pants and wet wipes, he added.

For more information on the project, call Robinson at 840-5640.

Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail slemon@mailtribune.com