On Saturday, April 26th, EverThrive Illinois hosted our Annual Community Baby Shower at the Lawndale Christian Fitness Center in the North Lawndale neighborhood. This event is held to celebrate new and expecting parents in the community, and to provide them with the necessary resources to help them and their families. Before the baby shower started, […]
Continue ReadingIntimate Partner Violence Impacts Reproductive Autonomy
*Trigger warning: this blog post discusses domestic violence and mentions abusive behaviors* Every year in the United States, about 12 million people are impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence. According to the CDC, IPV is when a person exhibits abusive or aggressive behavior toward their romantic partner, either once or […]
Continue ReadingAddressing Maternal Mortality in Communities that are the Most Impacted
On Valentine’s Day, EverThrive Illinois hosted a Community Chat at the Austin Branch Chicago Public Library on the West Side of the city. The purpose of the chat is for community members to better understand the maternal mortality crisis and the factors that contribute to this crisis within communities of color. In addition, we also […]
Continue ReadingUnfairness in the Workplace and Lack of Accommodations are Reproductive Justice Issues
Working throughout pregnancy is often seen as a case-by-case issue. Some birthing people have no problems working throughout their pregnancy, even up until they give birth; while others do not feel like they have the mental or physical capacity to keep up with a job. Everyone is different, and it’s important to note that birthing […]
Continue ReadingThe Intersection of Housing Insecurity and Reproductive Justice
On any given night in Illinois, thousands of people experience homelessness, including families with children. Homelessness is defined as not having a home at all, and it’s important to note that it isn’t always the lack of housing or ‘being on the streets. Someone can be experiencing homelessness and staying at a shelter or going […]
Continue ReadingBirth Equity Conference Highlights Health Needs of Pregnant and Postpartum People
In November, EverThrive IL hosted a half-day Birth Equity Conference in collaboration with the Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Morgan Park. Blue Cross Blue Shield opened the Blue Door Neighborhood Centers to improve community health through education, activities, and resources. The opening remarks were led by Chi Chi Okwu, EverThrive IL’s Executive Director, and Nicaya […]
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