THRIVE

Improving Birth Experiences and Outcomes for Poor and Low Income Women in Virginia

Why help? Because. We are sisters--our lives are connected and it is about more than survival.


T raining

H ope

R esources

I nspiration

V ision

E mpowerment

Contact us to volunteer or donate securely online via PayPal. If you would prefer to mail your donation, send it to:

Because We Are Sisters
RE: VACDI Program
P.O. Box 1473
West Point, VA 23181

Please visit us on facebook, follow us on twitter or send us an e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you!

E-mail: vacdi@bwas.org

Virginia Community-Based Doula Initiative

Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." ~Ryunosuke Satoro

The Virginia Community-Based Doula Initiative is an innovative and holistic outreach program which provides comprehensive support services to poor and low income families in Virginia who are expecting a baby. Because We Are Sisters is committed to building collaborative, community-based partnerships that help families in need thrive, not just survive. Our team approach is designed to provide care and support before, during and after the birth of a child.


The Mission of the VACDI is to empower poor and low income women in Virginia by improving birth outcomes, encouraging parenting with purpose and promoting a positive labor experience.

Our THRIVE strategy provides support in six key areas designed to have a positive impact on long-term outcomes:

Check back soon to learn additional details about our strategy, partnerships, leadership team, training dates, volunteer opportunities and special events. We encourage you to also "like" us on facebook and follow us on twitter to stay up to date.

  • TRAINING
  • HOPE
  • RESOURCES
  • INSPIRATION
  • VISION
  • EMPOWERMENT

How It Began

The Virginia Community-Based Doula Initiative began when Jenny Simpson of Birth and Baby Kneads launched a pilot program at CHIP (Children's Health Involving Parents) of Greater Richmond. Twice a month, a League of Volunteers (LOVs) began providing volunteer doula services and prenatal/new parent education to women who were participating in the program.

These monthly meetings offered support, education, guest speaker presentations and preparation for birth and parenting. In the first eighteen months, services were provided to over 40 women and children. The LOV's provide support and education as well as birth and postpartum doula services. read more      

Latest News


Welcome our newest beautiful "fresh start" baby girl and check back soon as we publish exciting updates about the Virginia Community-Based Doula Initiative.

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