Sistas Caring 4 Sistas

Programs Background: This fiscal year was the first full fiscal year for SC4S as an independent organization. Staff grew from 2 to 6 over the course of the year, including the hiring of an Operations Director. With new staff, the organization was able to grow its services, solidify policies and procedures and enhance the operational infrastructure. Community Engagement: SC4S continued it's monthly Mother 2 Mother community engagement program that gathers 15 regular participants who identify community needs and initiate projects. Meetings this FY included discussions about healthy techniques for self-care, a session with a local physician about birth control options, a session on reproductive health with a physician from the Department of

also provides an important career path for women. Doula Services Doula services are the cornerstone program of SC4S aimed at reducing maternal and infant health disparities. SC4S clients are underserved individuals within our community, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), lower-income, and those with disabilities and behavioral health conditions. Coming back from COVID, our doulas were able to increase the number of families served by more than 45% since last fiscal year, with 63 births attended this fiscal year! With support from the Dogwood Health Trust, SC4S continued to provide assistance with social determinant of health costs for 17 families (27% of clients) including help with utilities (N=7), rent (N=6), and baby furnishings and food (N=8). Compared to last fiscal year, SC4S served an additional 7 families! This partnership with Dogwood Health Trust and the dedication of our community based doulas helped keep birthing families warm, housed and fed during a health-critical period of their lives. In addition to the Asheville based doula services, SC4S continued its work on a 5 year project with UNC Chapel Hill developing a broader doula workforce as part of a research grant focused on doula support services.

Public Health, understanding housing choice vouchers, tax preparation with a local provider of free tax return preparation, entrepreneurship, credit repair, opportunities with the AmeriCorp presented by the local YWCA, and several sessions on home crafts. Mother 2 Mother provides ongoing feedback from community to SC4S, allowing SC4S to remain connected and in touch with emerging needs. All sessions provide opportunities for relaxation, connection and building a sense of community. . Work Force Development: SC4S employed 12 community-based doulas throughout the year as independent contractors. Doulas are trained in Childbirth Education and Lactation consultation. Doula training is not only a backbone program for SC4S to ensure a continuous pipeline of doulas from community to serve the community, but