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SisterFriend Program
Our SisterFriend Program matches a community
volunteer, "SisterFriend", with a high risk pregnant woman or teen,
"Little Sister", to provide her with emotional support. It is often
referred to as the underground railroad of our times. Women who are
"freed" to the point of functioning in our society are going back and
leading other women to "freedom", one on one.
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 Impact
In the last 12 years, we
have supported over 550 women and babies in Tarrant County.
- Little
Sister demographics:
Avg age 18; 12 youngest
& 30 oldest
Racial breakdown 75%
black, 20% Hispanic, 2% white, 3% other
• One
of the largest SisterFriend Programs in over 80 chapters around US,
Cuba, and Honduras.
• 96%
of babies born above low birth weight (greater than 5 lbs 8 oz).
• Almost
all of seniors graduate from high school w/some going on to college.
• 99%
did not have a repeat unplanned pregnancy.
If you are interested in becoming a
SisterFriend or Little Sister, please contact
us!
"Women empowering women growing healthy
babies."
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2008 © Fort Worth/Dallas Birthing Project. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy