Peri Natal

Open Arms ensures doulas are provided and reach the right communities. We also help other community-based organizations have a seat at the table to grow and serve their communities. In preparation for this visit, we shared this 1-sheet overview of our programs and impact, and Dila, our Executive Director, led an engaging live session with an emphasis on outcomes.

Suzanne found her way to the Open Arms community over a decade ago through a board member introduction and attending our 2009 luncheon. She has lived in the neighborhood for twenty years and has always thought it appropriate that Open Arms is part of the “beloved community” formed by El Centro de la Raza, where Open Arms has had its main office for over 22 years.

Parenting is complicated at any stage of life; there is a constant barrage of information in books, and blogs all trying to tell new parents the “best” way to parent. I am a first-generation American, and you better believe that my mother and the rest of my extended family have just as much Mexican parenting advice they so generously and voluntarily share with me.

My grandmother is 93 years old. She's still active, still known to talk smack, sit down and proceed to beat us at whatever game we're playing. She's amazing. We took some time to talk about her life experiences, what it was like for her growing up in Oklahoma. Something she said really stuck with me.