As I’ve often said, one of my favorite things about my work with The Smile Project is the opportunity I’ve had to meet inspirational people all across the globe who are working to promote social good. Rachel Brown and LaTasha Reece are the co-founders of one such group making their corner of the world a better place. Based in Palm Beach County, FL, Rachel and LaTasha run Postpartum Peace of Mind, an organization dedicated to supporting women of color through the birthing process. I’m honored to share their story now.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Happiness is..
Rachel & LaTasha: Happiness is.... spending time with the people you love and who love you
Liz: Tell me about Postpartum Peace of Mind. What do y’all do?
Rachel & LaTasha: Postpartum Peace of Mind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to centering the experiences, health, education, and safety of Women of Color. For us, that means eliminating barriers to care that are driving disparities in maternal healthcare and building trust in communities. Our first stop is addressing postpartum hygiene and menstrual hygiene by providing free postpartum, period, and self care items for one year. We also target the main contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity for Mamas of Color (hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia and postpartum mood/anxiety disorders) through accessible screenings and training community birth workers and families on how to best support Mamas. Our goal is to create a world where communities of Color are resourced to create and advocate for the beautiful, safe birthing, and postpartum experiences they deserve.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Rachel & LaTasha: Women of color are dying at an alarming rate in our country due to perinatal complications. These deaths are avoidable, and we want to be a solution to the problem.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Rachel & LaTasha: Service means love. Love for humanity regardless of blood relation, background, or socioeconomic status. We serve the community because we love people. We believe that each life is valuable. The bond between mothers and children is a treasure like no other, and it's their right to have the precious chance to grow together, inseparable and full of love.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Rachel & LaTasha: To sign up for volunteer opportunities and/or donate please visit our website at postpartumpeace.org. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram (@postpartum_peacemakers), and Facebook.
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to leave us with?
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in."
– Martin Luther King Jr.
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