website: www.maternityjourney.org I had an honor to speak with Kelli Washington, a founder of Maternity Journey in Houston, TX. It is a non-profit organization to support pregnant and families with children. Their office is conveniently located in downtown Houston.
She has been passionately supporting her community, especially young and under-resourced families.
About Maternity Journey
From their FB page
“Maternity Journey is a nonprofit organization on a mission to provide complimentary support & resources to first-time, single & at-risk mothers in limited resource circumstances & communities 👣
We offer this & an array of outreach events with dedication to black & brown families & changing our culture’s narrative on pregnancy & postpartum, one journey at a time..
Our organization is rooted in ancestral, holistic, and simplistic energy. Our organization is constantly blooming with abundance from the community..”
How it started
Kelli, the founder, transitioned from a teacher to be a doula in 2018. She was seeing pregnant women in her community not asking questions, and felt the need to educate them. Her focus is on teen and young mothers who are under 25yrs old, and tries to reach more mothers by giving free support.
In 2019, she connected with another doula and the two could not end their conversation about supporting community. Within a short period, 4-5 more birthworkers have joined and formed a sisterhood. They would gather weekly and share their passion and visions.
Their vision was formed to be their first event “Walk for Change”. It allowed them to be seen in the community and many wanted to donate for their cause.
They decided to establish as a non-profit, got an office space for their baby&maternity items to be stored and distributed.
They listened to their community’s needs and began offering mom’s circles and meetups, and childbirth classes.
What they offer
The Kenzie Keeper Program
(complimentary Doula support for first-time birthing person under 25yrs old)
The Get&Give Program
(baby boutique, filled with new/gently used items)
Exclusive Monthly Mommy Meet Ups
(online conversation meet up)
Maternity Crash Classes
(group and private; comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally sound educational support)
Dad Division Link Ups
(place for new & experienced fathers to connect)
Their vision
Expand their service to breastfeeding, newborn care etc.
Expand their model of care throughout the state
What do you see as the most need from your community?
No.1 Physical support. Many of their client are displaced or in temporary housing due to emergency or various reasons. For them, need for transportation, childcare, or just extra hands are most wanted so that they can get to where they need to be, or are able to apply for a job, etc.
No.2 Labor support.
No.3 Awareness
Their website has helpful information for families who are expecting, and they host fun events like holiday photoshoot, which also serve as fundraiser. Check out their social media (Facebook and Instagram) to see their latest news!
Maternity Journey organized a donation drive to support people affected by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. BB360 donated some baby items. Sep. 2021
Written by Noliko Utsuzawa, BB360
Jan, 2023
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