A year ago, New Destiny worked hand in hand with the First Lady, Tammy Murphy, to organize and host the first Family Festival in New Jersey which was hosted in the city of Paterson. The Black Infant Mortality (BIM) Initiative has united organizations, governmental officials, and community members together to find ways to decrease BIM rates. $4.3 million dollars was awarded to the Healthy Women, Healthy Families Initiative. As a result, New Destiny became one of the sub-grantees to have a full-time Community Health Worker on staff. October’s success story is our “First Community Baby Shower!” our attendance goal was 25 mothers, child-bearing age (15-44 years old), focusing on African American women. Twenty-two out of twenty-five mothers came to our baby shower, in addition to nine vendors, the Mayor’s wife, Farhana Sayegh, also honored us with her presence. All gathered in one place for a cause, “Black Infant Mortality Awareness in the city of Paterson.” The infant mortality rates in the state of New Jersey are alarming! The New Jersey Department of Health stated that, “Although the overall infant mortality rate in New Jersey is lower than the national rate (4.7 per 1,000 live births versus 5.9 per 1,000 live births in 2015), the disparity between white (3 per 1,000 births) and black infants (9.7 per 1,000 births) is extreme (patch.com).” Being part of the Black Infant Mortality Initiative is not only part of our core values, but aligns with our vision statement, which points out the importance for families to thrive, prosper, and overcome! Yes, Black mothers are over-comers. They have the right to raise their children in a healthy environment where their needs are met. Our first Community Baby Shower’s success is not about the numbers of attendees. Nonetheless, the unity and support of volunteers, community representatives, organizations, and most importantly, LOVE: love for our community and for our children.
