This is a Community Announcement from the Doula Access Initiative. It was not written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit community announcements, please send them to Matt Butler at mbutler@ithacavoice.com.
Want to shop local this holiday season while supporting a nonprofit whose goal is to provide equitable, evidence-based reproductive health services?
The Doula Access Initiative (DAI) is hosting an online auction from December 1st-4th featuring unique, locally made crafts, products, services and more! We will be hosting an in-person launch event at the Argos Warehouse on Friday December 2nd from 7-9pm with cocktails, appetizers, a raffle, chances to bid on auction items, and – of course – gather in community!
All proceeds from this event will support our Health Equity, Within Reach and Never Alone funds, which offer free doula services in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. Our programs prioritize support for Black and Indigenous families, while following the “racism as a root cause” model.
The Doula Access Initiative supports and expands access to positive experiences for birth, the postpartum period, and other family transitions. Doulas offer non-judgemental and evidence-based emotional, informational and physical support throughout the reproductive life span. DAI provides a link between families and doulas in a way that trusts in the family or individual’s wisdom and promotes autonomy. In alignment with Birth and Reproductive Justice movements, we work to amplify joy and remove barriers to reduce health disparities.
The Doula Access Initiative was incorporated in 2021 and has been hard at work, already serving 51 families and counting throughout the pandemic, with twenty contract doulas available to support families in our region. We are small but mighty, growing and advancing our community towards a more just and equitable place, and with your help, we will continue to.
To learn more about DAI, support our programs, and access our Winter Auction visit www.ithacadoulaaccess.com.