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Though there are many resources available for families with special needs members, sometimes the families are not aware of what they have access to. Also having to care for family members daily can take its toll sometimes. Knowing this, HHFC's birth summit theme for this year is focused on providing needed information and resources for these families in particular. With experienced panelists, families experiencing similar challenges, resources, prizes, and more this 3-day summit will benefit all those that are in attendance. all in attendance.

Third week of the September, as a local agency, HHFC attended week-long outdoor events which were hosted by The Brownsville Safety Alliance (BSA). The common purpose of these events was increasing access of the residents of Brownsville, Brooklyn to healthcare and social services which is a part of a broader anti-violence and anti-crime strategy introduced by Inspector Terrell Anderson in the 73rd Precinct. During these week-long events, like HHFC many local agencies brought their services directly to the community by tabling on the sidewalk for several hours each day, for six days in a row to network with each other and to improve referrals to services for Brownsville residents. The local Cure Violence agency, Brownsville In Violence Out (BIVO) at CAMBA, was present for the entire event and available to respond to 911 calls and other potentially disruptive situations. BIVO, along with other Crisis Management Service (CMS) agencies, was tasked with reducing gun violence in Brownsville through Credible Messengers and de-escalation strategies from the violence interruption field. Data collection activities and communications support were provided by the From Punishment to Public Health (P2PH) initiative at John Jay College and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with WeBuildtheBlock. The October BSA was he most successful of all the events held during 2021 because over 60 agencies participated in the event. Agencies reported over 2,400 touches with clients throughout the week, and they made over 630 referrals to services. Overall, agencies reported a positive outlook on the event and expressed a desire to continue attending in the future.

September 14, 2014 is the date when everything started. Through the prayers and encouragement of family, friends and colleagues, Mrs. Suzette Jules Jack planted the first seeds of HHFC with one purpose; serving underserved communities! We Have Reached More Than 74 Low- Income Families HHFC believes in equality in opportunity. Therefore, strengthening children and families in Brownsville, Bushwick, Bedford Stuyvesant, East New York and other low-income neighboring communities by providing services to address maternal and early childhood health disparities is our sacred mission. During these 8 years, we have reached more than 74 low- income families through Community birthing services (doula), Postpartum services, Milk Depot and Case management services. We had more than 76 births with the support of HHFC Doulas. Click to Tweet. Our First Official Diaper Bank Is In Brooklyn We are proud to announce at our 8th anniversary that we have started to serve as HHFC Brooklyn Diaper Bank! HHFC believes that clean diapers are a basic need for babies and their caregivers. Diaper need is a significant problem in the U.S. and affects more than five million children living in poor or low-income families. Babies without clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks & less likely accepted to daycares, leaving parents unable to attend work. Our work helps ensure families have enough diapers for their infants and toddlers. No one should have to worry about affording this basic need! Click to Tweet! We will be doing our best to reach more and more underserved families throughout Brooklyn communities by providing services to address maternal and early childhood health disparities. Thank you to all our donors, doulas, staff, volunteers and interns, for being with us on this journey! We couldn’t do it without your support! Happy Birthday HHFC! If you would like to share this journey and our services please Click to Tweet!

On September 30, 2022, in recognition of National Diaper Awareness Week, Expecting Relief and Empire BlueCross BlueShield Association came together to organize a Community Baby Shower servicing mothers in their 3rd trimester experiencing poverty. Event took place in Atlantic Dance Studio, 2796 Fulton Street in Brooklyn. Thanks to this special organization so many mothers could benefit from maternal resources like Doulas, Breastfeeding support and Sleep Safety presentation. Also, all attendees were treated to access to free tablets, food, cake, games, gifts and more. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso contributed with his participation.

Midwives not only provide educational support and healthcare for the pregnant person throughout pregnancy but also supervise labor and delivery and provide needed follow-up care after childbirth. They can also provide many primary care services, well checks, and contraception. Although midwifes and doulas both provide services that lead to better health outcomes for parents and babies, their specific roles differ considerably. Midwives typically hold a nursing degree and certification which can take five years or more. Certified nurse midwives hold a master of science in nursing or a doctorate of nursing practice degree. They are healthcare providers authorized to give medical care throughout pregnancy and labor and birth. Most of the time, obtaining academic knowledge in nursing school is not sufficient to become a nurse-midwife. Nurse-Midwives must develop a combination of advanced nursing skills, clinical experience, and expert knowledge in their areas of practice to succeed in this role. Different from Midwives, doulas do not need a postsecondary degree. Typically, they complete training in childbirth education and labor support. A doula does not perform medical services but offers nonmedical advice and guidance. They provide education, advice, and support before, during, and after childbirth. Nurse midwives obtain certification as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Once certified, CNMs can apply for licensure in their state. All state licenses for CNMs require certification. Doulas do not need licenses in any state, and very few states require certification. Many doulas hold certification as a birth doula and/or postpartum doula. In terms of working places, Nurse midwives work in obstetrician and gynecologist offices, hospitals, healthcare clinics, and birth centers. Midwives in private practice may offer special services such as at-home births. Doulas can find employment in many of the same settings as midwives. They may also work from their own homes or their patients' homes and offer support during and after home births. Are you committed to sharing your time and talents to help pregnant families in under-served communities? Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Every volunteer that comes to HHFC, brings experiences, histories, expertise, skills and expectations. No matter what role a volunteer plays, everyone at Hope Healing Family Center is in it for the same reason: to help pregnant families to receive the services and healthcare they could not receive anywhere else. If so, we are looking for experienced nurses/ midwives and doulas to join our team. Learn more about our Board Member positions.

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, ENY Community Baby Shower took place with the collaboration of The Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign, Lions International, ZETA PHI BETA Sorority and ENY Church of God of Prophecy on 71 Malta Street, Brooklyn, NY. As one of the local community based non profits, Hope and Healing Family Center participated in this special community event. During the baby shower, baby gifts and supplies are donated from the community and then given back to those in need in the community. Also, free prenatal yoga and newborn care classes were given to those who win the raffles. Video Above: Tricia Caurtey-D.D.S, and Patricia Eliscar-D.D.S.

In recognition of Black Breastfeeding Week, Hope and Healing Family Center attended Black Breastfeeding Celebration Event which took place at Brownsville Baby Cafe on Thursday, August 25, 2022. During the event, all moms started to walk through Betsey Head Park and afterwards attend “Mothers Love” paint and sip event at the Brownsville Action Center. All participants were acknowledged about breastfeeding in Brownsville Baby Cafe. During the event, lunch, black canvases and paints were provided. Why Do We Need a Black Breastfeeding Week? For over 40 years there has been a gaping racial disparity in breastfeeding rates when white and black women are compared. The most recent CDC data show that 75% of white women have ever breastfed versus 58.9% of black women. The fact that racial disparity in initiation and even bigger one for duration has lingered for so long is reason enough to take 7 days to focus on the issue. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for babies but also helps mothers in many ways. Mothers who breastfeed have reduced risk of breast or ovarian cancers and can recover faster after delivery. To learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding read our blog post. We believe in the importance of breastfeeding in the development of children. In recognition of this month we would like to remind you that HHFC is home to Brownsville's first and only Breastmilk Depot.We can accept breast milk donations from approved donors from The New York Milk Bank. For steps on how to become a donor, be sure to check out our friends at The New York Milk Bank! Click to Tweet!

Pictured Above:HHFC Founder and CEO Suzette Jules Jack with New York State senator, Roxanne Persaud. On 6th August 2022, HHFC Founder and CEO Suzette Jules Jack attended New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Linden Houses Family Day. Event was open to all residents who grew up in Linden Houses in East New York, Brooklyn in the 60s, 70s or 80s! During the day, residents were treated to food, drinks. Music and ice cream. Tenant Association President Carol Barnes also presented certificates to residents, community leaders and other elected officials. New York State senator Roxanne Persaud was also one of the attendees.

World Breastfeeding is an annual celebration which takes place every year from 1 to 7 August in many countries all around the world. In recognition of the breastfeeding week, on August 3, 2022 Hope and Healing Family Center attended Breastfeeding Week Walk which was organized by Wyckoff Heights Medical Center with the collaboration of PICH (Partnerships to Improve Community Health) and WIC (Women, Infants and Children). During the event, all attendees started to walk from 316 A Himrod Street to Maria Hernandez Park in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn to call attention to the importance of breastfeeding and breast milk. The main purpose of the event was not only bringing awareness of National Breastfeeding in the community but also reminding people to strengthen the capacity to provide and sustain breastfeeding-friendly environments for families. Hope and Healing Family Center is always happy to provide the families with available resources. We believe in the importance of breastfeeding in the development of children. In recognition of this month we would like to remind you that HHFC is home to Brownsville's first and only Breastmilk Depot.We can accept breast milk donations from approved donors from The New York Milk Bank. For steps on how to become a donor, be sure to check out our friends at The New York Milk Bank! Click to Tweet!

Video Above: Founder and CEO of HHFC, Suzette Jules Jack and HHFC Doulas Lorena Ruiz, Maria Cabrera. HHFC Attended BPMC 30th Annual Health & Wellness Expo Event On Saturday, August 13, 2022 HHFC attended BPMC 30th Annual Health & Wellness Expo event which took place outside the BPMC located at 650 Fulton Street, including Lafayette Avenue between Fort Greene Place and St. Felix Street from 11AM to 4PM . The main purpose of the event was collaborating with local community-based organizations and other local partners to address health disparities especially in maternal health, as well as to increase access to primary and preventative health care services in the highest need areas of downtown Brooklyn. As one of the local community-based organizations, HHFC participated in the event to not only reach Brooklyn residents (children, women, men and seniors) but also to promote a healthier Brooklyn with its services and programs. HHFC serves to strengthen children and families in Brownsville, Bushwick, Bedford Stuyvesant, East New York and other low-income neighboring communities. It provides Community birthing services (doula), Postpartum services and Case management. Please visit our website to learn about the Programs and Services HHFC provides to mothers and families. All services are provided in English and Spanish. About BPMC Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center, Inc. (BPMC) is dedicated to improving the physical, spiritual, psycho-social and psychological well being of residents of North Central Brooklyn by providing the highest quality preventive comprehensive family health services with particular concern for lower-socio-economic groups.