To say that I felt extremely blessed to work with MOMCares this summer is an understatement . This organization ’ s dedication to improving Black maternal health outcomes is present in every endeavor .
I am not only glad to have been amongst so much passion for something I have interests in , but I felt such a sense of community between the staff . I worked directly with Zianab , my supervisor , and Monika , a former intern who is now the Young Mothers Program Coordinator . As a Black woman interested in the field of maternal health , being surrounded by other Black women who are aiding in the reduction of health disparities that Black women face in Baltimore has been eye opening . I ' ve gained so many practical skills as an intern that I wasn ’ t even aware I lacked prior . Having major responsibilities yet being able to reach out for guidance from my supervisor became akin to a healthy mentorship . I feel so inspired to not only use this experience as I navigate being a pre-med student , but I also wish to continue working with organizations with the same message .
It ’ s impossible to acknowledge the wonderful effects of MOMCares without mentioning the Young Mothers Program 2022 cohort . These nine young women range from 15-24 years old . My main responsibility was to co-facilitate daily sessions , and I ' ve learned so much through these interactions . Each of the women had different lived experiences , yet the bond established between them is difficult to describe . Each of them possessed different strengths that blended together . Each week , the young mothers participated in an array of workshops ranging from lactation , forgiveness , creative expression to doula training . Doula training is such a unique , yet important role in this program . The mothers are able to receive DTI certifications , opening them up to a whole new career .
Throughout this summer , I ’ ve really learned the different advocacy work I have passions in . I ’ ve made connections with various professionals and community organizers who gave me a better understanding of all the nuances of what affects the health of mothers and their children .
Oversaw the daily facilitation of the Young Mothers Program 2022 . Curated new scoring guidelines , conducted recruitment interviews , and maintained a professional relationship as the main point of contact
Created a portfolio of media material including promotional flyers for community events , photography , and daily presentations for the Young Mothers Program
Researched and led mindfulness and career readiness workshop sessions
Managed and streamlined programming material , supply orders , community resource meetings , donations , and intake documents
Assisted in the creation of pre / post programming data surveys alongside the epidemiology intern
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NEIGHBORHOOD 29TH STREET COMMUNITY CENTER
WHITELOCK PUBLIC COMMUNITY HOUSING SHEPHERD JUSTICE
MOMCARES
SERVICES ' S FARM CENTER CLINIC
Peer Intern : Aiman Altaf Intern Intern Mentor Intern : intern : Marisa Dumebi
: Fatima :: Genesis Lily Thomas
Nwanko Sheth Baloul Aire Nathalie Werebe
Supervisor Supervisor :: Maria Kimberly : Zianab : Dave : Jenny Smaldone Raikes
Sankoh Rodwin Jiang
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