By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
Pathway Inc. Sisters United graduated 17 women in their most recent cohort Thursday, December 12 at 505 Hamilton. The graduation ceremony, which was originally planned earlier in the week, was postponed and modified due to power outages. Each mother received a t-shirt, goodie bag, certificates, food, refreshments, Christmas gifts and resources to support their motherhood journey.
Pathway, Inc. launched its motherhood program this year as a part of their continuing efforts to educate and support mothers, fathers and babies in northwest Ohio. Since its inception, Pathway Inc.’s Sisters United has supported over 411 mothers with 934 children in four years.
During the virtual eight-day program, participants learn life skills surrounding parenting best practices, how to navigate co-parenting challenges and develop meaningful relationships with other mothers. The program features 16 hours of evidence-based curriculum that helps new and seasoned mothers alike better navigate motherhood.
“We had to cancel the actual graduation yesterday due to the power outage, but we still moved to today because we wanted to take the time to make sure they were celebrated and appreciated for the work that they’ve done,” stated Avis Files, director of Family and Supportive Services.
Pathway Inc. Sisters United motherhood program, derived from Brothers United Fatherhood Program is a community and faith-based infant and maternal health support program funded by The Ohio Department of Children and Youth Pathway Inc.
Sisters United received $305,000 from the community and faith-based Infant and Maternal Health Support services to provide programming targeted towards women who are 16-24 years old, pregnant or have children up to 17 months, and live in the 10 designated zip codes that are most at risk for infant mortality and maternal mortality.
Women in the cohort ranged from younger to older, some were first time or expecting mothers while some have multiple children. The education provided by Pathway is beneficial for mothers at every stage .
Kiara Motley has a two-month-old daughter Ki’lahni and is a mother of four. She originally heard of the motherhood program while attending a community baby shower where she met one of the Pathway coaches. She highly praised Pathway’s motherhood initiative in her parenting journey.
“It brought other people together,” shared Motley. “I feel like in this generation is kind of hard for other women to socialize and get to know one another without judgement.” The program provided Motley a positive space to meet and connect with other women on deep level an find support.
“I think it’s something that a lot of women should join… I think they should have this internationally, not just in Toledo. It should be everywhere,” she continued.
Participant Disha Brooks shared her experience: “I took a lot from the program both mentally and physically… I saw that I wasn’t the only person going through something. I have six children and just because I have more children than [another participant in the program] it doesn’t mean we don’t deal with the same hardships. She developed a close relationship with her coach and relationships with peers in the program.
Brooks now recommends the program to her friends and family. “You never know how your situation and what you’re going through can help someone. It was because we were able to express ourselves in a safe space and learn from it too.”
Mothers will continue to stay connected on Motherhood Mondays, regular zoom meetings with topics ranging from stress to postpartum depression and other topics pertinent to motherhood. Alumni are encouraged to join. To learn more, visit the Sisters United Facebook page.
Pathway Inc. Sisters United Motherhood program is an expansion of Pathway Inc. Brothers United Fatherhood and Brothers United 2.0 Fatherhood program. This program is funded through Toledo Community Foundation from the Stranahan Foundation.
Eligibility:
Mothers and Fathers must reside in Lucas County, Ohio.
Residing in the 43604 or 43607 zip codes and those who are returning citizens.
Participants must be TANF eligible and complete the TANF form.
(Source: pathwaytoledo.org/sisters-united/)
To learn more about Pathway Inc. Sisters United Program visit pathwaytoledo.org or call Avis Denise Files, Director of Family and Supportive Services, Pathway Inc. Brothers and Sisters United, 505 Hamilton Street; (419) 279-0798 afiles@pathwaytoledo.org
