Abide Women’s Health Services is located in South Dallas, where there is a “community with the highest rates of low birth weight, pre-term birth, infant mortality and so much more.”
Abide was established by Cessilye R. Smith, who “saw nationally, honestly that Black women are dying at three to four times the rate of White women; Black babies are dying at two to three times the rate of White babies. I knew that in order for us to address those issues head-on, we needed Abide.”
Since its founding in 2018, Abide’s mission has been to “improve birth outcomes in communities with the lowest quality of care by offering health care and services that are easily accessible, holistic, evidence-based and free from judgment.”
By partnering with other non-profits like Violas House, Redeemed Women Dallas, I Look Like love, Period Dallas, United Way and many others, Abide has so far seen more patients in 2022 than in all of 2021.
Thanks to a $500,000 grant provided by The Boone Family Foundation, Abide will be able to continue it growth by providing:
- Consistent prenatal care through pregnancy
- Postpartum doula services
- Lactation support
- Education, resources and referrals
Cessilye’s game plan is to open a Birth Center and an additional clinic in Fort Worth within the next five years.
Established in 2007 by Cecilia and Garrett Boone, The Boone Family Foundation “is a resource for social justice and innovation generally awarding grants to entities and organization Texas and communities where Directors have an interest,” primarily in these three areas:
- Advancing equity for women and girls
- Improving educational outcomes for children in public schools
- Promoting environmental stewardship.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Abide Women's Health Services