From the Family to the System
HomePlace is committed to improving maternal health outcomes and helping African American families thrive. Evidence says that connection and belonging are solutions to reduce the chronic stress of racism and poverty. And a reduction in stress creates conditions for well-being, which means fewer high risk pregnancies. Our vision is to wrap families with culturally centered healing engagements, parenting education, peer support, and practical resources, and connect them with responsive medical and mental health care, prenatal and postpartum care, including doulas (birth coaches). We provide resources and guidance to navigate the healthcare system, get emotional support, ease financial burdens, strengthen community connections, and much more.
Our Solutions
Our solutions include interconnected supports for HomePlace families, including:
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Evidence says what we know from from our lived experience, that connection and belonging are solutions to reduce the chronic stress of racism and poverty. And a reduction in stress creates conditions for well-being, which means fewer high risk pregnancies. Through HomePlace, we:
- Offer healing experiences that mitigate the impact of racism and trauma.
- Reduce stress through protective factors (ie therapy, groups, cultural connection).
- Monitor and support well-being.
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Sometimes a it just takes a little knowledge offered by someone who has been through it themselves. And small, practical supports that help make things easier on a tough day. At HomePlace, we bring:
- Culturally rooted approach to learning about early parenting and postpartum support.
- Tailored support, such as transportation and access to essential supplies.
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Specifically for African Americans, the chronic stress from impacts of racism exacerbated by socioeconomic status have been found to increase negative medical impacts. Its not hard to imagine how a lack of resources will impact a pregnancy. HomePlace will work to:
- Provide concrete economic supports in times of need.
- Offer financial and economic counseling
- Support access to resource navigation and/or job support (housing, benefits).
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Having a healthcare professional who is responsive to culture, communicates well across difference, and will collaborate as part of a trusted team makes all the difference. HomePlace will:
- Connect responsive providers to HomePlace participants.
- Support education and capacity of medical providers and cultural birthworkers to work in tandem.
Supporting Fathers as Healers
When my wife Alika, delivered our second daughter Iyana, I asked to be present in the delivery room and I was told 'No you cannot come – there is no need for you!' Fathers often get the message that they are not needed. HomePlace knows fathers are the first support in the birthing process. Brothers you are needed and wanted at HomePlace…Welcome HOME!
Changing Systems
And we will take our learnings centered on the voice of lived experts and share this with the field to support systems change. We work in partnership through the Birth Justice Collaborative to identify and move systems. Over time, we will build a base of critical learnings guided by our lived expertise. We will share learnings and utilize our collective power to influence government and healthcare systems toward our goals.
