Tag: Stories

2025 Brings Milestone Growth for Doula Program

Reflecting on our 2025 fiscal year, New Moms is honored that we’ve been able to support more expecting mothers than ever before through our Doula Program! 

In 2024-25, we provided prenatal services to 31 pregnant moms, a 26% increase, and welcomed an amazing (and adorable) 58 new babies, including two sets of twins! Moreover, 100% of participants finished all sessions, and 100% also initiated breastfeeding at birth. 

Our Doula Program is a key component of the services we offer young moms. Through seven sessions, moms-to-be get ready to welcome their little one as they gain skills and tools they’ll need as a new parent. For many, the program also creates a safe space where young moms find encouragement, connections and support.

“Every mom wants the best for their babies, but not every mom has the tools to do so,” said Eusebia Flores, a senior doula at New Moms. “It’s our job to provide the tools that the moms need.”

Eusebia has been with New Moms for six years, and during that time she’s seen the positive, long-term impact the doula program has on young moms. She’s watched many of these young women come into the program without the skills or support they need to be the moms they want to be. Beyond preparing for all the worries that come with having a baby – from delivery to breastfeeding and so much more – many of these young women are also dealing with many additional stressors, such as housing instability or lack of support from their family. 

“All women need non-judemental support,” Eusebia said, who is proud to help facilitate just that through the doula program. “We are there to make sure the prenatal group is a safe space and to provide the tools that they want so they can be the best moms for their babies.”

One of the highlights of each cohort is the New Moms baby shower for the expecting mothers, providing them with many of the necessities they’ll need for their baby in addition to the skills they’ve learned along the way. But the biggest gift, Eusebia says, are the connections that flourish among the young moms, as she watches them come together and create networks of support for each other. From group messages to playdates and more, these moms walk away with a newfound community as they welcome their babies into the world. 

Reflecting on the last cohort, Eusebia shared: “They had such a great experience and found a village of support among each other.”

For New Moms Financial Coach Nia, tax season is more than just paperwork—it’s a chance to connect with young moms about their financial goals. In her role, she helps participants in New Moms’ programs with budgeting, monitoring credit scores, opening checking and high-yield savings accounts, and planning for the future.

Nia meets moms at different stages of their financial journey. Some are just starting their first job and learning to manage a steady income, so she focuses on catching up on bills and setting financial goals. Others, like those working at Bright Endeavors, may be ready to open a bank account, and Nia helps them explore their options—even guiding them through the application process on the spot!

“Some participants haven’t had support with managing finances, so I try to remove the fear and inspire confidence in budgeting and reaching their goals,” Nia explains.

Helping Moms Access Free Tax Services

On Fridays, Nia takes participants to Wilbur Wright College, where nonprofit partner LadderUp offers a free tax refund clinic. There, tax professionals help moms file their taxes at no cost.

“It breaks my heart when I hear about a mom in our program who paid $200–300 to file her taxes when she could have done it for free,” Nia shares. “They’re already financially stressed, so it’s so important that we help them take advantage of these services.”

Beyond filing taxes, Nia also helps participants plan how to use their refunds wisely. Are they behind on rent or bills? Are they working toward a savings goal? This process helps them practice financial planning and prioritization.

Defining Success

For Nia, success is when a mom takes the initiative—whether by reaching out to say she’s starting a savings account or asking for advice on a financial decision.

“It tells me they’re applying what we talked about and taking steps toward a stable future,” she says.

At New Moms, we believe every young mom has the potential to build a thriving future for her family. Through financial coaching, we’re helping them lay a strong foundation—one smart decision at a time.

A Heartfelt Thank You for Another Incredible Year of Operation Santa!

Since 2020, our holiday celebrations at New Moms have looked a little different, and for four years, Operation Santa has been at the heart of it all. This wonderful Christmas toy drive has grown stronger each year, helping us better support families and strengthen our New Moms community. It’s been inspiring to watch people from all walks of life—families, businesses, and multiple generations—come together to surround our families with LOVE and help create unforgettable holiday memories.

This year, we received 2,665 gifts donated! Thanks to the generosity of our community, we received even more gifts after the registry closed, making it possible for us to spread joy to so many families.

We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters who made this possible. Your participation in Operation Santa ensures that love, connection, and the hope for a bright future continue to shine brightly for the young families in our programs.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season!