What brought Markesha to Community of Hope was simple: A dream to have a water birth, but what has kept Markesha connected has been a circle of support.

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the women whose work and generosity make Community of Hope’s mission possible

When Vernada, a mom of four, left Charlotte, North Carolina, she was focused on one thing—keeping her family safe. 

LaDonnae Wells, a mother of two, had been searching for stable housing while navigating motherhood. Now, as her youngest child celebrates their first birthday, LaDonnae is expressing deep gratitude to her perinatal care coordinator, who supported her throughout her pregnancy ensuring she had the resources, care, and guidance she needed while also experiencing homelessness. 

Black history at Community of Hope isn’t something visited once a year. It’s embedded in how we serve, how we grow, and how we invest in our people. It lives in the stories of staff whose work and leadership have shaped the organization over time. One of those stories belongs to Candice Jones – our longest-serving Black staff member.  

At 65 years old, Tony makes healthy choices with confidence. He talks about food labels like a researcher. He monitors his glucose like a scientist. He jokes about giving up pepper steak like it’s a strategic decision —not a sacrifice. But there was a time when none of that felt clear to Tony.

After helping raise 15 nieces and nephews, Aaliyah, a first-time mother thought, “Yeah, I got this.” But when her son, Jalen, was born just 8 months ago, she quickly realized that parenting your own child brings a different kind of responsibility and a new set of challenges! 

When you think of birthday parties, you think balloons, games, and fun — and that’s exactly what members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega Chapter, brought to families in Fam-Club throughout last year, hosting four  birthday parties, and Five nights at Fam-Club! 

Just days after giving birth for the first time, new mom and Community of Hope patient, Shayla, gushes about her new arrival: “Everyone says you don’t know love until you meet your child—and it’s very true.” 

This January, we’re celebrating a major milestone at Community of Hope: 25 years of Kelly Sweeney McShane’s leadership as President and CEO.