Stories of Hope

Community of Hope patients, Shermica and Don, were excited when they found out that they were going to welcome a new baby into the world. They began receiving care at a local hospital, and although the care was adequate, over time they began to realize they were looking for a different experience than what the hospital could provide. In March, they did a Google search to see if there was any place in the District they could have a water birth – an experience that requires the birthing person to be unmedicated and free to move around while still under the care of a medical team.  They found Community of Hope. 

Anthony Durant lights up when he talks about his four-year-old son, Amir. “He is very energetic,” laughs Anthony. "He is smart, talkative, loves to learn, wants to get into everything, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He wants to be a paleontologist.”
Supporting and encouraging his son comes easy to Anthony, but sometimes that comes with making hard and uncomfortable decisions. One of the hardest was deciding to leave their home and puppy for a fresh start.

Heather Wise Reed proudly wears many hats—an early childhood educator, a Washington DC resident, Community of Hope board member and patient, and most importantly a mother.  

Day after day, we are exposed to first- and second-hand traumas in our communities and in the world around us. Adrienne Wise, Community of Hope's Director of Emotional Wellness, shares about the importance of emotional wellness and some best practices to help process grief and suffering.  

Community of Hope is proud to announce that our Vice President of Talent Management, Stephanie Leonetti, has been honored with one of three 2022 HR Impact Awards by the Washington Business Journal. 
 

"What we need right now is action," says mentor Praveen Ayyagari.  

“I wish someone had warned me the third birth could be longer than the second,” Shaquana laughed as she began describing the birth of her daughter Inaaya at the newly expanded Family Health and Birth Center. Shaquana is not new to being a mother or having an out of hospital birth. But as every child is unique so is every birth experience—this one was no exception.

Community of Hope’s Family Health and Birth Center moved to 2120 Bladensburg Road to Washington DC's Langdon neighborhood in March 2022. We are excited about this move and the opportunities our new location will bring to our dedicated team and patients. Our new space has more than doubled in size – allowing us to grow with our patient community.

The Family Health and Birth Center has a long history of supporting women and families. As we transition to the new and expanded Family Health and Birth Center, Community of Hope wanted to reflect on the history and impact of the building we are saying goodbye to. We invite you to read the edited version of our conversation with Midwife Cassandra Burrell as she reflects on both her personal and professional history with FHBC, and her excitement about continuing to grow with the staff and families at the new location.

People at risk of experiencing homelessness face many obstacles in search of a stable environment to thrive. Our city has different systems set up to serve families with children who are experiencing homelessness or for individuals without children – and they can both be difficult to navigate.

Demetria, a mom at our newest program called Bridge housing, has faced many barriers in navigating systems while supporting her family. For the safety of herself and her children, she needed to leave her home, but she wanted as few disruptions as possible for her children.  Leaning on the care of her family, Demetria made the difficult decision to have her kids stay with them so that the children could avoid the shelter system.