(WXYZ) — It is one of the greatest joys and jobs in the world, being a parent.
But it is not always easy. Especially if you don’t have the help or resources to make you and your family thrive.
There is an organization, whose sole purpose is to make that happen.
7 Action News Reporter Andrea Isom spent some time in Detroit with a woman who spends her time helping women become Super-Moms!
“Every mother, no matter what you see and no matter what you think, every mother loves and cares for their child. And she wants to give them those basic needs. We want to make sure that we give them the support, so that they can do that," said Heather Johnson Ross, founder of The Natural Momma Me Initiative.
Ross started the nonprofit organization for Metro Detroit mommies and low income families. Ross says the first year of the child's life is crucial.
“We teach how to put in your car seats, safe sleep classes, breastfeeding courses are also available," she said. "Any resources that women need we can connect to them the resources they need for their babies."
Over the last five years, the Natural Momma Me Initivate has given away, more than 100,000 diapers, feminie hygiene products, baby supplies, free parenting class transportation. All of these valuable things offered for free.
“It makes such a huge difference. Number one, it decreases the infant mortality rates. When you don’t have prenatal care, a lot of babies don’t survive. They don’t even make it through the first year. That is why the first year is extremely, so important. And we’ve seen so many beautiful, healthy babies come to be, due to our program”, Ross says humbly.
But COVID-19 has drastically changed almost everything about how they do this great work.
“First of all, the facility is not big enough. We usually provide services in the home as well. A lot of our nurses and social workers don’t feel comfortable going into the homes. And a lot of your clients don’t feel comfortable coming to the homes," she says.
That is understandable. However, every person deserves an equal chance of have a happy, healthy life even in the womb.
This program, more than ever should continue.
And it can, with your help. If metro Detroiters are willing to step up, to help precious babies take their first steps.
“If we had a bigger facility, if someone would be willing to donate or partner with us in a building. That way, we could provide those car seat classes, safe sleep classes, diapers, maxis and all the other resources that people in the community need.We would so greatly appreciate it," Ross says.
If you are willing to help, you can reach out at
