"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.

Nervousness overwhelmed Patricia as she sat in the  Community of Hope waiting room for her dental appointment. She had neglected her own smile to pay for her children’s braces out of pocket and a traumatic experience at another dentist years ago brought back fears. But that day, her fear of the dentist was not the only thing weighing on her mind and body while she was waiting. Just days earlier, on her 60th birthday, Patricia was out celebrating with a few friends and was struck in the leg by a bullet during a drive-by shooting. 

Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. Samika, mother of 5, had experienced multiple domestic violence incidents in her life – but realizing that the cycle may extend to her children was the last straw.

Sherri had her first daughter while she was still in high school, and had 4 children by age 23. Despite being young, Sherri was determined to take care of her kids. ‘Having my oldest daughter…it puts you on the right track.’ She worked various jobs throughout their childhood and discovered she really enjoyed supporting people with intellectual disabilities. She moved up in her career and eventually worked as a Residential Director for families supporting loved ones with intellectual disabilities.
On June 25, 2015, Sherri received a phone call and experienced that unimaginable fear that all parents dread—her 21-year-old son had been shot and killed.

Imagine growing up and dreaming about becoming a teacher. As an adult, you are excited to be working with children, watching them learn and grow – and especially excited to be teaching girls. Now imagine that passion coming to an abrupt end with militants knocking at your door and threatening your family – causing so much fear that you decide you must flee the country to survive. That is the story of Elliot; a Nigerian refugee who fled her country and is building a new life in Washington D.C.

The Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service goes to Robert D. Huey, whose volunteer service over 40 years has shaped the organization with compassion and service. 

Rob, a widely respected public accountant, first engaged with Community of Hope in 1982 as an auditor with Coopers and Lybrand (now Price Waterhouse Coopers) and was so impressed with their work he began serving as its comptroller on a volunteer basis.  He remained involved as a supporter and friend for four decades, starting with his connection to our founder, Tom Nees.