Jaquea first learned about Community of Hope in the most unexpected way. After a tough day at work, she was riding the train home, visibly upset. A kind, pregnant woman noticed her distress and approached her, offering to pray and providing directions to a place she thought could help—Community of Hope.
Following the woman’s advice, Jaquea found herself at the purple building off of H Street (the previous Family Health and Birth Center location). As soon as she walked in, Jaquea says she was greeted with kindness and support by Ms. Jalisa and Ms. Sheena at the front desk. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jaquea shared her struggles as a teenage parent and her fears about bringing another child into a “toxic environment.”
“The team at Community of Hope welcomed me with open arms and without judgment,” Jaquea recalls. They provided her with the support she needed, ensuring she felt cared for. Transitioning from a family practice steeped in stigma about teenage parents, she found solace at the birthing center, where she began receiving her care and met other moms and teenage parents, forming supportive connections.
One of the most memorable people Jaquea met was Tina, a coach and doula, who, along with others, showed her immense kindness and support. Despite the rocky situation with her marriage, Jaquea began to feel a sense of hope. When her second baby, Emmanuel, was born, the care she received from her midwife, Ebony, was extraordinary.
Jaquea’s journey was far from smooth. The stress from her marriage affected her health and her pregnancy, and she tragically lost the father of her first two children to gun violence. Yet, the support from Community of Hope helped her navigate these turbulent times. “The events, the programs, the sisterhood, and the bonds formed at Community of Hope kept me sane and gave me the strength to keep going,” she says.
When asked about her most impactful experience at Community of Hope, Jaquea mentioned participating in the belly cast class through CenteringPregnancy(R). It was a moment of reflection and acceptance, where she began to embrace her journey as a mother despite the challenges. The activities and the sense of community provided a much-needed break from the chaos of her personal life.
Breastfeeding was another area where Community of Hope’s support was invaluable. Coming from a background where natural childbirth and breastfeeding were not the norm, Jaquea was the first in her family to pursue these paths. The knowledge and encouragement she received empowered her to breastfeed her children and embrace natural childbirth fully.
“The staff at Community of Hope listened to my needs, offered resources, and shared their own experiences as mothers. Seeing them wear their babies while working, passing their infants around so they could help each other out, was a revelation. It was the village I had always needed but never had,” Jaquea reflects.
Reflecting on her journey, Jaquea confidently says that Community of Hope has played a pivotal role in shaping her into the mother she is today. The support, resources, and community provided a foundation upon which she could build a stable and nurturing environment for her children. From managing the hurdles of single motherhood to adopting innovative parenting strategies, the impact of Community of Hope on Jaquea’s life has been profound and lasting.
Now, as a mother of three, Jaquea looks back with gratitude. The experiences at Community of Hope, the people she met, and the lessons she learned were instrumental in her journey. Ever since she started her journey with Community of Hope, it has never stopped. She and her children are still patients at Community of Hope. She continues to advocate for the importance of a supportive community for mothers, knowing firsthand how it can transform lives. Jaquea’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, support, and the steadfast strength of a mother’s love.
