OCALA, Fla. – On the same day that Ocala celebrated its newest Safe Haven Baby Box, News 6 received a heartwarming update about a newborn named Zoey who was rescued from one two years ago this month.
In an update from Baby Zoey’s mother, she told News 6 that Zoey is “thriving, loved, and absolutely amazing.”
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Zoey’s journey began in January 2023 when she was discovered in the Safe Haven Box at Ocala Fire Rescue Station 1—the first and only box in Florida at the time. In a remarkable twist of fate, the rescuer who opened the box would end up becoming her adoptive father.
During an interview in June 2023, he and his wife told News 6 that they had been trying to start a family for a decade. After rushing the baby to the hospital, they began the adoption process. News 6 did not identify the family out of respect for their privacy.
Last week, in an email with News 6, Zoey’s adoptive mother shared that their daughter is loved and thriving. She also emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the Safe Haven Baby Box as a life-saving resource for birth families in crisis.
The Safe Haven Baby Box is installed in a wall where the public can access it from one side and first responders are on the other side, like a fire station or hospital. The outer door locks from the outside when the door closes and immediately alerts rescuers when a baby is placed inside.
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On Monday, Florida blessed its sixth Safe Haven Baby Box, which is located at 1400 SW 6th Avenue in Ocala.
The organization was founded in 2016 by Monica Kelsey who learned in adulthood that she was abandoned as an infant.
At Monday’s event in Ocala, Kelsey also spoke about Zoey.
“Babies lives are being saved.” Kelsey said, “Like Baby Zoey here in Ocala, she is growing up happy, healthy and loved, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Florida’s Safe Haven law allows a newborn to be dropped off at any fire station or hospital within 30 days anonymously and without prosecution.
For more information about the Safe Haven Baby Box and locations, click here.
In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 866-99BABY1.