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A total of 37 high school students connected with over 27,000 of their peers during the 2021-2022 school year to encourage healthy relationships and choices, surpassing the goal of 13,000.
“The work you did this year was phenomenal. I am proud of each and every one of you,” said Mayor Ginther at a recent recognition event. “You were committed, determined and persevered. That’s a true sign of leadership.”
The program educates high school students about sexual health through a variety of in-person and social media events.
“I learned how to communicate with my peers about sexual heath and reproductive health," said Kayla Zamaripa, a student at Bishop Hartley High School, who was one of the 37 peer educators.
“This work is not for everyone. And that’s OK. But I commend you for stepping up, wanting to learn how to be a peer educator and then doing the job with the utmost integrity and honesty,” said Maureen L. Stapleton, executive director of CelebrateOne.
The Peer Education program is a part of the CelebrateOne and Planned Parenthood partnership.
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CelebrateOne was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to create Community Innovation Hubs (CIH), offering supportive services to mothers and infants in designated neighborhoods.
The goal of this project is to enhance access to quality health services and resources through the CIH. Such services include: prenatal care and dental care, connection to community health workers, home visiting and doulas, educational and developmental support.
“This concept establishes a community structure that ensures that babies are born into a community that will enable them to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Whitney Gordon, CelebrateOne senior project manager, who was involved in writing the grant.
"This initiative is in line with CelebrateOne’s strategic plan goals of reducing racial disparities by providing intentional supportive services that promote better health outcomes for mothers and infants,” she added.
CelebrateOne is concentrating its efforts in neighborhoods and zip codes which exhibit limited access to care and have the highest infant mortality rates in Franklin County.
CelebrateOne was one of 26 organizations awarded a total of $6.8 million in grant funding from ODH.
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Our last baby shower for the 2022 season is from 1-3 p.m. September 17 at the Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215.
Moms-to-be or new moms will receive a free diaper bag, diapers and baby supplies. There will also be a raffle to win a larger gift, such as a baby swing or stroller.
The event is free but registration is encouraged and available here.
The community baby showers allow us to connect with pregnant moms and new parents to continue to be a source for health care and support for helping babies to thrive.
Thank you to the numerous local supporters, YMCA, CareSource, Brightside Academy Ohio and countless more. Without these organizations, we could not do what we do or serve the women of Columbus and Franklin County. For more information about upcoming events, please be sure to check out our facebook page.
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We’re throwing a first birthday party!
Come join us from 1-3 p.m. October 1 at COSI, 50 S. Belle St. The party will include music, free food, early childhood education resources and a special gift from CelebrateOne for registered families.
Registration information will be available in September.
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Meet Jarrell Black, Neighborhood Integration Manager
How long have you been working at CelebrateOne?
Since September 2020.
Why did you want to work at CelebrateOne?
To help give young parents a head start in their parenting journey.
Tell us about your role as a Neighborhood Integration Manager?
As a Neighborhood Integration Manager, we are responsible for connecting with community partners and businesses. It is through these partnerships that we are able to provide resources to our moms and families.
As a father yourself, why is the role of a father so important during pregnancy?
Three reasons:
- The baby has a better chance of reaching his or her first birthday when the father is involved.
- The baby is not just mom’s responsibility.
- While mom is pregnant, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your baby, even though the baby is not physically present. I spoke to both of our children while my wife was pregnant. The bond I share with both of them began developing during those moments.
What have you learned since joining CelebrateOne?
That our city’s infant mortality rate, especially in our priority neighborhoods, is at a critical point. As a community, and with the help of our partners, we can reduce the number of infants who die before their first birthday.
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We appreciate the members of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ohio Baptist Convention for their monetary gift and donation of:
- over 15,000 diapers
- over 18,000 wipes
- over 600 pairs of socks
We are grateful for your support & generosity!
We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, adult probation department, for their donation of 9,201 diapers.
We are grateful for your support and generosity!
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Saving infants and supporting families takes a whole community. Gifts to CelebrateOne support programs that prevent premature birth, reduce sleep-related infant deaths and connect the disconnected in neighborhoods across Franklin County. Together, we can help more babies celebrate their first birthday.
We realize there are many nonprofits in need of support in these times of uncertainty. If you are able, please consider donating to CelebrateOne. Your donations go directly to helping CelebrateOne moms and infants in need right here in our neighborhoods.
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