2011 AMCHP and Family Voices National Conference ... - HRSA

2011 AMCHP and Family Voices National Conference: Welcome Plenary and
MacQueen Memorial Lecture
02/13/2011 Omni Shoreham, Washington, D.C.
individuals and contributors to the larger community and society. Our
programming emphasis on education and learning, food, health and wellbeing
and family economic security all play interconnected roles in
creating an environment in which vulnerable children are protected,
nurtured, equipped and stimulated to succeed. Kathryn's work in New
Orleans has been one of our key strategies for improving birth outcomes
after Hurricane Katrina. When Mr. Kellogg left his incredible gift, he
gave very little direction other than to use the money to help vulnerable
children and to invest in people. I know Mr. Kellogg would be happy and
pleased with our investment in Kathryn's work. Kathryn's humble and
unassuming demeanor hides a giant inside. Her tireless effort to help soon
to be young mothers and fathers prepare to be effective and whole parents
has transformed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of babies around
the world. And the way she's done this makes her accomplishment even
more remarkable. She helps surround these young families with systems
and expertise from elders and practitioners that wrap them in love and
well-being. Birthing project babies come into the world the way nature
intended, full of love, less stressed and with a strong support system.
Kathryn is the founding director of the Birthing Project USA, The
Underground Railroad for New Life. The mission of the international
organization is to improve birth outcomes for women of color by
providing technical assistance and support to communities and
organizations to replicate and sustain the birthing project model of
providing education, support and access to care and services to at-risk
women. She has more than 15 years experience as an advocate in the
public and private sectors. Her experience and understanding translating
and bridging policy, administration, service delivery and client culture has
earned her national and international recognition. The birthing project
model has been replicated in almost 100 communities in the U.S., Canada,