For readers who may be new to YANA, what does the organization do and who does it serve?
YANA stands for “You Are Not Alone.” I created the nonprofit in 2017 with the mission of ensuring that every family and every mom feels safe, valued, and accepted. Our Centennial community room provides families with essentials like diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and shoes at no cost. Our Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies program provides moms who give birth at one of our four participating hospitals with a full year of free, wraparound peer support.
What inspired you to create YANA?
I had been a teacher for 20 years when two local moms took their own lives and the lives of their children. The next day, I was at the elementary school supporting the students. A sixth-grade boy walked up to me sobbing and said, "Ethan was my reading buddy. How am I supposed to be okay with the fact that he died?" Then he looked at me and asked, "How do I know the same thing won't happen to me?" Those two questions completely changed my life. YANA began as a place where moms could gather, find resources, and connect with other moms who understood what they were going through.
What does support look like for a mom who joins Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies?
We meet moms where they are. They receive an app for connection, weekly in-person gatherings, educational webinars with community experts, walk-and-talks, check-in calls, texts and emails, and access to support groups. We say the program is for a year, but we never kick anyone out. If you need us, we’re here. We also have online support groups for dads, single moms, families in recovery, families with children with exceptionalities, and more that are open to the public. Everything is free.
How can people get involved?
We need volunteers, mama callers, support-group leaders, fundraisers, grant writers, donors, and corporate sponsors. Our annual gala is November 14, and donations and sponsorships help us continue providing these services for free. Most importantly, spread the word. You never know what one small connection can do. Visit YanaMom.com to learn more, get support, volunteer, or donate.