My name is Rose Blaise. Some of you may know me by my nickname, Maggie. I am the founder of Free Yourself Women Foundation, and I am also a survivor of domestic violence. On March 16, 2002, I was only twenty-one years old when I came face to face with the deadly disease that we call domestic abuse. My child’s father stabbed me and left me for dead. I asked God to give me a second chance at life, not because I was worthy of his grace, but because I wanted to live for my daughter and make it my mission in life to help women in similar situa-tions find a way out. I declared my life, my victory from God, and he heard my cries. God kept his word; now I have to deliver what I promised him ten years ago. I know firsthand what it feels like to go

through domestic abuse. Freeing your-self from an abuser can be frightening; you have more questions than answers, but the risks of staying are too great. It wasn’t easy for me to reestablish myself into society. I had people in my life that blamed me; some had their own ver-sion of what happened that night. Some of the closest people to me even went as far as saying the abuser should have killed me, so the healing process was not easy at all especially when I had people constantly reminding me of the nightmare I went through. Making such a big decision to leave will not be easy, but there’s help out there. With the right people by your side, counseling, and prayers you can do it. Women in Distress was the very first foundation that came to my res-cue. They helped me with shelter ser-vices, counseling, financial assistance

such as a down payment towards an apartment to make sure my child and I were safe. Even years later I still had hard times accepting a lot of things that have hap-pened in my life. The people at Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies, with the help of my counselor, Sari

Schwarzfeld, were there to counsel and help me devel-op techniques to be able to cope, understand, accept, and start living my life again. I thank God for Sari every day. She was such an

inspiration for me to start this founda-tion. Even though I promised God that’s what I would do for him if he let me live, I was a bit hesitant going through with the idea because of the amount of responsibilities and resources it would take to establish such an organization. Sari helped me to understand life in a whole different perspective. >>>cont. on back cover

A publication of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Inc.

“God kept his word;

now I have to deliver

what I promised him

ten years ago”

- Rose Blaise

Family Success Story: HMHB MOMS Program Client is Now Giving Back

FAMILY MATTERS

Volume 1 | Issue 1 | 2012

Administration Team Michelle Reese | Executive Director

Linda Cichon | Director of Finance and Human Resources

Babette Ferre-Kosar | Director of Development

Marie Drohan | Finance Assistant

Management Team Joan Ceremy | Teen Collabrative Program Manager

Sandra Despagne | Fetal / Infant Mortality Program Manager

Cynthia Holmes | Community Health Program Manager

Sharetta J. Remikie | The Mahogany Project Manager

Ana Romero | Maternal/Child Nurturing Program Manager

Gloria Villalobos | Healthy Families Project Manager

Samuel Brown | Fatherhood Mentorship Program Coordinator

HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES COALITION OF BROWARD CO., INC.

1100 W. State Road 84, 2nd Floor | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone: (954) 765-0550 | Email: info@HMHBBroward.org

www.HMHBBroward.org /HMHBBroward

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Inc

aims to reduce infant deaths by providing resources and

education to pregnant women, parents and their families.

Our Programs & Services

Infant Mortality Outreach & Prevention

CRIBS FOR KIDS

provides Graco Pack-N-Play cribs and health education to families in need of a safe sleeping environment

for their baby.

FATHERHOOD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM provides individual and group education to help men

develop the skills needed to become and remain active in their children’s lives.

FETAL/INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW [FIMR] reduces infant mortality by establishing a thorough

understanding of the occurrence of fetal/infant deaths in our community.

FORGET ME NOT provides bereavement support to families who

have experienced the loss of a baby.

THE MAHOGANY PROJECT targets pregnant, high-risk women in the 33311 zip code by providing parenting and health education as well as

intensive case management services and linkage to a medical home.

Prenatal & Infant Health Programs

HEALTHY FAMILIES provides education & case management

to pregnant or parenting families living in targeted zip codes to prevent abuse and neglect.

MOMS provides counseling and parenting education to women

who are suffering from Maternal Depression.

TEEN COLLABORATIVE PROJECT offers in-home case management services to

at-risk teenage girls during their pregnancy and up to their child’s second birthday

A Message from Our Executive Director Our Mission

Administration & Management Team

Dear Friends Each and every day, we are grateful for the opportunity we have to help the women, children and families in our community. We work tire-lessly to ensure our clients receive the knowledge and resources they require, therefore empowering them to live the best life they can. Thanks to the dedicated Board of Directors and staff at HMHB of Broward, hundreds of babies are born with a healthy start to life; women battling maternal depression received counseling to effectively nurture and bond with their baby; children are spared from abuse and neglect because their parents are taught effective parenting and relationship building skills; and most importantly, we con-tinue to save the lives of our little ones by reducing the risks of prematurity and addressing issues of preventable infant death. And in the unfortunate circumstances where babies’ lives are cut short, we are there to help them with bereavement services to provide emotional support for the family in their time of need. The work we do is vital to the success of our home – Broward County. Home is what you make of it and we are making it the best it can be for you and your neighbors. Wishing you and your family all the best, Michelle Reese Executive Director

HMHB of Broward In-Service Trainings & Teaching Seminars

HMHB of Broward Announces our “Mommies of the Roundtable” HMHB of Broward is is taking the step to reach out to new parents in the community and share our resources and education. If you are a new mommy, or an experienced one and have some ideas to share join us! We will have our kick off meeting on Thursday, September 6th 7:00pm - 8:30 pmt Paul Maison de Qualite Sawgrass Mills Colonnade Area 1800 Sawgrass Mills Circle #2500 For More Information or to RSVP contact Babette Ferre-Kosar at BFerre-Kosar@hmhbbroward.org or, at (954)648-6868

HMHB of Broward Receives Accolades for Their Work with Safe Sleep

Description???

On June 7th-9th HMHB of Broward

attended the National FIMR conference

in Arlington, VA. HMHB Executive

Director, Michelle Reese; Program

Manager, Sandra Despagne; County

Medical Examiner, Khalil Wardak and

Captain James Carroll of the Fort

Lauderdale Fire-Rescue were in attend-

ance to represent Broward County.

HMHB of Broward did a visual presen-

tation of “Broward We Have a Problem:

An Overview of Sleep Related Infant

Death in Broward County, 2006-2010”.

They were recognized for getting the

message out regarding safe sleep prac-

tices and their collaborative efforts with

first responders, such as the Fort

Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department.

Future plans are in the works to share

the educational services used here in

Broward County with other cities

throughout the country.

HMHB also implemented the Model Behavior Program to ensure "Be a Safe Sleeper" practices were passed on through hospital staff to new mothers and family members. Staff in 3 NICU and Maternity Departments through-out Broward were part of this program. Parents tend to copy practices that they observed in hospital settings. As such,

nurses should model behavior that reduces an infant’s risk of death. Nursery staff, through HMHB of Broward trainings, learn to be more vigilant about endorsing and modeling the supine sleep position (wholly on back) and safe sleep guidelines before an anticipated discharge.

HMHB of Broward Celebrates the

20th Anniversary of the Mother’s Day Luncheon

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Inc. held the 2012, 20th Anniversary Mother’s Day Luncheon at Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale on Friday, May 11 and raised record funds for the organization while recognizing some of Broward’s most outstanding individuals. This year’s luncheon, attended by over 350 people, raised over $52,000 for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County. The afternoon started with a unique silent auction and shopping opportunity provided by a variety of vendors. Kelly Craig was amazing as our luncheon Mistress of Ceremonies. The luncheon included the heartfelt story of the Gravesandy Family and their experiences with overcoming adversity with the help of HMHB of Broward. The culmination of the day was the recognition of the honorees, featuring a video montage of beautiful photos along with their amazing tales of volunteerism, courage, tenacity and activism.

The 2012 Mother Of The Year Honorees included: Marcia Barry-Smith, Women in Distress, Colleen Bokamper, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carol Harrison, Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Vanessa McGovern, Women’s Prosperity Network, Dr. Rosalind Osgood, MODCO, Sharon Schwartz, Jewish Family Services, Debbie Zelman, Debbie’s Dream, Lifetime Legacy Award recipi-ent Cynthia Peterson, Broward County Medical Association, Guardian Angel Award recipient Twan and Lysandra Russell, The Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation, and Father of the Year Award recipient Dr. Brian Udell, Child Devel-opment Center of America.

A special thank you to our event sponsors: The Farver Foundation, Humana Healthcare, Pediatric Associates, Pediatrix Medical Group, Dr. Brian & Jackie Udell, United Healthcare & the Bokamper Family.

To Nominate an Outstanding

Individual for 2013. Visit

www.hmhbbroward.org

Save the Date for the 21st Mother’s Day Event

on May 10, 2013

HMHB Corporate Donor Society

Support HMHB Broward and become a member of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Donor Society. Not only will you enjoy great events for a great cause, but your company will also have our resources and services that can make your work space family friendly. To find more information please visit our website at www.hmhbbroward.org. We thank the Following Community Sponsors

Celebrate a season of giving & caring by sponsoring a family with a Thanksgiving meal, and then join us for a winter holiday celebration with our families. You will receive information on the size of your family and any specific needs. Donate a Thanksgiving Meal or certificate and make a child’s holiday special with a gift. Join us on December 8th at Hyatt Pier 66 for a Holiday Celebration and Gift Exchange with your family and the many families HMHB serves. There will be crafts and refreshments. For More information on participating in this very special event, fill in the requested information in the enclosed envelope or contact Babette Ferre-Kosar at (954)765-0550, ext. 316 or at BFerre-Kosar@hmhbbroward.org

Thank You to Our Funders & Supporters

A.D. Henderson Foundation

AETNA Foundation BJ's Foundation

Broward County Community Partnerships Division Broward Healthy Start Coalition

Children's Services Council of Broward County City of Pompano Beach

FEMA Glick Foundation Healthy Families Publix Charities

Ronald Macdonald House Charities The Farver Foundation

The Jim Moran Foundation United Way of Broward County

Wells Fargo Foundation

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Broward celebrating their encore Meatballs and Martinis event at Anthony’s Runway 84 Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale on July 18th, 2012. Attendees were able to support HMHB while enjoying good food, a fun crowd and an exciting raffle. The event raised over $2700 to support programs and services.

Two Graduates of the HMHB Fatherhood Mentorship Program Awarded at International Fatherhood Conference

Derrick and Brandon, both graduates of the HMHB Fatherhood Mentor-ship Program, were awarded with the National Partnership for Community Leadership Favorite Fathers 2012 award in June 2012 at the International Fatherhood Convention. Derrick went through intensive case management and achieved one his goals to get a promotion within the company he worked as an auto parts delivery man. Derrick did not stop there; on January 9, 2012 Derrick began a new job at Maroone Auto Mall. He lives with his 1-year-old daughter and girlfriend who he plans to marry. Derrick also has a 9 year old daughter, whom he has not seen in 8 years and desired to reunite with her. After ad-vice and intervention from the Fatherhood Program Coordinator, Derrick was reunited with his daughter in May 2012 and is now an active partici-pant in his daughters life.

Brandon is 26 years old and the father to Brandon Williams Jr. and a baby girl born on July 23, 2012. Brandon is employed at Publix’s Warehouse and Distribution Center where he has been a well-respected employee for the last 6 years. After joining the Fatherhood Mentorship Program, Bran-don sought out some different entrepreneurship endeavors. In April 2012 Brandon launched Coast to Coast Party Rentals a company that supplies bounce houses, characters, clowns, snow cone machines, DJ’s, tents, tables, and chairs for all party events. After his successful completion of the 12-week education sessions along with the 12-week 24/7 Dad A.M.TM

and 12-week 24/7 Dad P.M.TM curricula, Brandon was elected to become a mentor for the program in which he is now able to encourage other fathers to step up. Although Brandon is working with Publix and running a busi-ness, he still manages to spend quality time with his family. Brandon understands the importance of his role as a father in supporting his girl-friend while she was pregnant and active involvement in his son’s life and new baby girl. Brandon said that he has plans to leave a legacy for his children so they can follow in his footsteps as successful entrepreneurs.

L to R: Samuel Brown, Fatherhood Mentorship Program Coordinator, Derrick, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, President & CEO, National Partnership for Community Leadership International Fatherhood Conference, Brandon Williams.

For information, please contact Samuel Brown, Program Coordinator at 954.765.0550

On October 22, 2011 HMHB held the 15th Annual Forget Me Not Memorial Event. The emotionally inspiring event was held to remember babies lost, but not forgotten. Over 100 attendees shared experiences, enjoyed lunch by Char Hut and were treated to beautiful ballads sung by HMHB of Broward's own Tiffany Lewis.

HMHB Celebrates the Guard Your Heart Graduation

On Thursday, July 26th, 17 young women celebrated with a heartfelt graduation ceremony as the culminating event of the Guard Your Heart program. These young women, some already mothers, and some mothers to be, were participants in the 6 week long program that focus-es on self-esteem/Loving Your Self, Motivation/Breaking the Cycle of Repeat Pregnancy, Domestic Vio-lence, Healthy Relationship, Family Planning, Life Skills, Parenting and Education. . Part of HMHB’s Teen Collaborative Project, the purpose of Guard your Heart is to help these young women bet-ter themselves, give them skills for parenting and in turn, help prevent future unplanned births and break the cycle of early unplanned parenthood. The Teen Col-laborative Project offers in-home case management ser-vices to at-risk teenage girls during their pregnancy and continues support up to their child’s second birthday. Program Manager, Cynthia Holmes, along with the case managers, arranged a poignant ceremony complete with special, individualized words of affirmation for each of the young women along with donated diaper bags stuffed with essentials. Letting each of these young women know how special they are, how much potential they possess and that they have out support to help them overcome the odds is an important part of this program. Alice Philport stated “I have learned never to give up on your dreams just because you become a teen mother and you are no different from others. “ Thony Nerlande stated “ No matter how bad things seems to be going in our life, it’s just the beginning and we make things better with a positive attitude.

MOMS Client Giving Back, cont. cover Sari taught me that building self-esteem and knowing and accepting who you are is the key to living a normal, safe, happy successful life. Here I am before you, I have been in your situation, I lived your pain, and I am telling you today to free yourself. I may not know everything or have all the techniques, answers, and resources to give you to flee your abuser, promise you I will use every resource made availa-ble to me and every experience I’ve had to help establish your freedom. There is help out there; if you seek it, you will find it. A group of people took the time and effort to help me. To-day, because of them, I’m domestic abuse free, ten years strong. If there is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to call me. I will do everything I can to make sure you and your children make it out safely. Leaving is the best gift you can give to yourself and your children. Do it now; call for help.

The MOMS (The Maternal/Child Nurturing) Program services pregnant women and mothers with children ages 0-2 who are experiencing maternal depression. The pro-gram, provided in conjunction with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by improving and replacing poor parenting behaviors with nurturing ones. In-home one-on-one in-struction is provided pre-and post-natal. Psychosocial counseling is provided on an individual basis.

NON-PROFIT

U.S. Postage

PAID

PERMIT #1305

P.O. Box 350446 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 organization whose mission is to reduce infant deaths by

strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, parenting, education and support services.

2012 Board of Directors

PRESIDENT Maxine A. James-Francis, Ph.D.,

Seventh Avenue Family Health Center

PRESIDENT ELECT

Elizabeth Gassew HCA Westside Regional

Medical Center

SECRETARY Barbara Edinger

Ryder Systems, Inc

TREASURER Kimberly Gilmour

Kimberly Gilmour, P.A.

Melida Akiti Senior Vice President Community Health

Memorial Health System

Ethel Edwards, RN, BSN, ACHND Broward County

Health Department

Dr. Meena Jhatakia North Broward Hospital

District Pediatrics

Kim Lamplough, CPA Rachlin, Cohen & Holtz

Beverly Nelson-Curtis

Coventry Health Care of Florida

Joseph Rogers COO Pediatric Associates

Mike Weisberg

Community Volunteer

Dionne Wong Senior Vice President

Chief Human Resources Officer Broward Health

Michelle Reese Executive Director

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward Co., Inc.