MOMS has a mission:
To improve maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality
through education and service.
Another way to state this concept is that MOMS aims to reduce the harm women and babies experience in pregnancy and birth. We want to work with those who have among the greatest needs and fewest resources.
In 2024 and 2025, we plan to teach CHWs in three sites where we previously trained. We do this because some of the women we trained want to retire or their health is failing. Other sites have seen MOMS CHWs move away.
We also are in discussions with people from other Districts who are anxious for us to begin work in their jurisdictions. So, more news about that will come in due time.
We will finish certifying our three new trainers. We will ensure that our Training Manager and her assistant continue their education. We will work with the Leadership Council to continue their work of networking, solving problems, and communicating.
All this is with the good Lord willing and no outbreaks of Ebola Virus or war.
MOMS has a big dream
We dream of a society where people rejoice at wanted pregnancies, and can correctly and confidently assume they will get competent and respectful care that includes support with breastfeeding, nutrition, family planning, and other health concerns. For this dream to be sustainable, communities must make changes to ensure women and kids get their needs met well.To reach our dream, MOMS does these things:
- Prepare women to be problem-solvers for their community, especially for pregnant women
- Train women in the skills and knowledge they need to change their community, educate others, and support local pregnant women with maternity care
- Advocate for effective maternity care to all women.
MOMS has small dreams, too!
We want to buy a vehicle of our own, so we need not rent an SUV at a daily rate of $150-200. Buying a vehicle takes about $75,000, as financing is not available.Because we need to get a team to very remote areas on bad roads, we need an SUV that reliably carries at least six people; has low 4-wheel drive, a welded roof rack (rivets pop), two spare tires, and a winch; and will carry gear for everyone to live and teach hours away from the nearest market.
Having our own vehicle, at a cost of $75k up front, will save us between $10,000 and $12,000 per year of rental costs.
We want to make our Program Director full time, increasing from 1/3 time, and give raises to all our staff there. This would add about $20,000 per year to our budget.
This would allow our Program Director to do his work more effectively. As he has another job to support his family, now he cannot always be available for meetings and such during the weekdays. His ability to travel is also restricted. Raises for the rest of the staff would bring them up to the community standards for salaries. We want to treat our staff fairly, while recognizing how hard they are willing to work for the love of MOMS.
So, with about $100,000 (a rounding error for many large non-profits!), we can set ourselves up to function smoothly and actually reduce costs.