Overview:
Community First Equity is expanding its outreach beyond Brooklyn through new partnerships and programs serving Haitian families in Long Island and New Jersey.
As many Haitian families marked Mother’s Day on May 31, Community First Equity announced an expansion of services into Long Island and New Jersey.
The Brooklyn-based maternal health support organization, founded by Dr. Christina Pardo, focuses on advancing health equity and connecting underserved communities with culturally informed healthcare resources and support. A major component of that work is the Haitian Women’s Birth Equity initiative, which provides culturally responsive education, services and referrals to families navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum care and beyond.
“ I am very proud and excited [for the expansion]. When we started the Haitian Women’s Birth Equity Initiative Brooklyn-based, it was to advocate for the needs and provide a support structure for Haitian mothers and families. And the goal was always to be able to create that support and advocacy wherever there are concentrations of Haitian mothers and families. “ Pardo told The Haitian Times.
“So being able to expand that structure that provides support and connect with local structures in Long Island and New Jersey is an incredibly proud moment to just help organizations in those areas and to provide support for moms.”
As part of its regional growth, Community First Equity announced a partnership with the Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey who is launching Wombs of Ayiti.
On June 26, Family Connects NJ, a non-profit organization and partner of Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, will be hosting a community event, Wombs of Ayiti, where they celebrate pregnant mothers and Haitian traditions around pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.
They will offer community resources, food, face painting, and opportunities to connect with other pregnant mothers, families, and support providers. If you are interested in attending, you can register here.
Community First Equity has also reached Long Island, coordinating a community baby shower May 23 at St. Martha’s Church in Uniondale. In partnership mainly with Solidarité Haïtiano-Américaine de Long Island, the organization aims to provide information and resources about maternal mental health, early literacy and doula support. Additional partners included Moms Who Care, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island.
For more information about Community First Equity or to volunteer, donate, or partner with them, visit www.communityfirstequity.com/.
