For Donnatela, Community of Hope has always been part of her story. She first came to Community of Hope when she was 17 years old. Her mother, who is also a patient, first brought her through our doors. Over the years, she returned for dental care, primary care, wisdom teeth removal, and more. By the time she became pregnant with her daughter, Donia, Community of Hope wasn’t a new resource. It was already her medical home.
When she became pregnant with her daughter, she participated in CenteringPregnancy ® where she built lasting friendships with other expecting mothers. “It was great. I still keep in contact with some of the girls that were in my class. We have a group chat, showing each other our babies and updating each other because we were all due around the same time.” As a first-time mom, the experience helped her feel prepared and confident. “I learned a lot,” she said. “I feel like without y’all [Community of Hope], I wouldn’t have known a lot of the things I learned. I’m not around babies much. I’m an only child”
One of the most meaningful parts of her journey was her connection to Community of Hope’s WIC program. Through WIC, Donnatela received healthy food benefits, education, and breastfeeding support that made a lasting impact on her and Donia. “WIC helps me get food, especially healthy food for me and my baby,” she said. She also developed a close relationship with WIC staff, especially her WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Tashika, whose encouragement, carried her through some of her hardest moments. “She helped me with breastfeeding, and she’s part of the reason I’m still breastfeeding today.”
After Donia was born, Donnatela continued to rely on Community of Hope’s support. When breastfeeding challenges arose, staff helped her navigate them, providing encouragement, equipment, and practical guidance. Reflecting on the support she received after Donia’s birth, Donnatela said, “Everybody was helping me with breastfeeding. Y’all helped me get a Haakaa [, a breast pump] and I still use it to this day.” WIC also helped give her peace of mind as she learned what worked best for her family.
Today, motherhood has inspired Donnatela in unexpected ways. Through her own experience receiving breastfeeding support, she discovered a new passion and is now studying to become a lactation specialist herself. That journey, she says, started with Donia. “If she wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have even thought about becoming a lactation specialist,” she said. “She’s definitely helping me try to be more grown up.” And that growth has touched every part of her life. “It means everything to me,” Donnatela said about being a mother. “It’s motivated me to be better.”
Looking back, Donnatela sees Community of Hope as more than a health center. From dental care and primary care to CenteringPregnancy, WIC, and referrals to additional supports, Community of Hope has been there throughout every stage of her journey. Now, as she raises baby Donia, she is building a healthy future with the same support that once helped her grow up.
