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SisterFriend Program
The concept of the SisterFriend Program differs from most outreach and support projects in that it utilizes volunteers, or “SisterFriends,” to do individual case management using the concepts of the extended family. Our SisterFriend Program uses the Birthing Project USA's model. Our SisterFriends are all over 21 years of age from all walks of life. They attend childbirth education, breast feeding and parenting classes with their Little Sisters, and participate as a birth partner, if appropriate. Although we target pregnant black and at least third generation Hispanic women of all ages and circumstances because of their disproportionately low birth weights and infant mortality rates, we accept women of all races. Our goal is to remove the barriers that affect birth outcomes. Little Sisters receive direction, support and advocacy necessary to identify and obtain health care, labor support when appropriate, learn good pregnancy and life style behaviors for herself and baby, links with health care providers and human service agencies, and assistance in returning to school or work while being empowered to function as an adult who can manage her own life. The
SisterFriends
and Little Sisters are usually matched in groups of 10, creating a
“baby
bunch.” While together they learn about childbirth education,
breastfeeding,
nutrition, baby care, birth control, and sexually transmitted
diseases.
We also sponsor a newborn care class for our Little Sisters, dads and
additional
caregivers in their families. And for those Little Sisters in
need
of support and counseling for past or present sexual, physical, or
emotional
abuse, services will be provided. The
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