JustServe Supports DFW Community Baby Shower for At-Risk Moms

As the two-year MOMS Tour travels to 50 cities around the United States, organizers depend on JustServe volunteers before, during, and after the baby showers.  

Volunteers supported the community baby shower in DFW Saturday for over 300 expectant and new moms in at-risk communities. 

MOMS stands for Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers. The organizers are working to reach new and expectant mothers in communities with high maternal and infant mortality rates — including Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women.

“It was wonderful to see so many women have the opportunity to connect with organizations who offer valuable support and services to moms and their families,” Kerri Zimmerman, Assistant Director for JustServe in DFW.

“The impact was particularly profound when witnessing immediate needs being met, such as a newborn baby being placed in a safe and age-appropriate stroller or a mother discovering a resource she didn’t even know was available.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is supporting A Chance to Learn, CocoLife.Black and other doulas in this initiative, plus raffle prizes such as strollers or car seats, and volunteers at the baby shower through JustServe.

“JustServe was honored to be invited to support and participate.  I am grateful for the volunteers who helped make it a great event and for relationships made with our new friends,” Zimmerman said.

JustServe volunteers were able to sign up through the volunteer website, JustServe.org – which connects charity agencies with local volunteers.

Baby shower volunteers from JustServe helped pack goodie bags with wipes, resources and supplies. Other volunteers helped pass out diapers and raffle prizes, such as strollers and maternity pillows.

JustServe volunteers helped in the kids’ corner where siblings could color or do crafts and at the healthy kitchen area, plus at registration.

According to HHS, Non-Hispanic black/African American infants are almost four times as likely to die from complications related to low birthweight and mothers were twice as likely to receive late or no prenatal care.

“After nearly losing my life twice during my maternal journey, I want to ensure that I serve as an advocate for other moms of color as they matriculate through their journey,” said LaToyia Dennis, the M.O.M.S tour manager and founder. “It’s my pleasure to serve as the fiscal agent and lived experience on The M.O.M.S. Tour.”

Booths gave expectant parents information on infant first aid, postpartum signs, finding a doula, prenatal care and Medicaid.

Rev. Dr. Que English, who serves as the Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at HHS, encouraged expectant or new moms to be advocates in their healthcare and the care of their babies.

“If you don’t like the answers you get, keep asking doctors and health care workers for more information,” English said. “Push for the answers you need to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy and for your child too.”

*All photos courtesy of Miss Ari Photography https://www.themissariphotos.com/