Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Edwards.
Hi Naomi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always believed that our experiences shape who we become. Growing up, I experienced adversity and personal trauma that wasn’t always visible to those around me. From the outside, my life looked like it had all the right pieces, but there were challenges I carried quietly. At the same time, I watched people I loved navigate their own hardships, which taught me that many people suffer in silence. Those experiences instilled empathy, resilience, and a passion for being someone who sees, believes in, and advocates for others.
That passion led me into behavioral health, where I became a Licensed Professional Counselor and dedicated my career to serving children, families, and communities. While this work has allowed me to make a meaningful impact, I never imagined that my greatest purpose would come through my own personal journey.
When my daughter was born at just 29 weeks, weighing only 1 pound, 13 ounces, she spent 75 days in the NICU. While I will always be grateful for the exceptional medical care she received, I also experienced the fear, uncertainty, and emotional isolation that so many NICU parents quietly carry. That experience changed my life and inspired me to found Every Ounce of Love, Inc.
Today, Every Ounce of Love provides emotional support, therapy, resources, care packages, and a community of hope for NICU families. My goal has always been to ensure that no parent has to walk this journey alone. Through shared experiences, meaningful connections, and compassionate support, we strive to remind families that there is hope on the other side of one of life’s most difficult seasons.
Looking back, I don’t see a straight path. I see God’s purpose unfolding in ways I never could have imagined. Every challenge prepared me for this mission, and every family we serve reminds me why Every Ounce of Love exists. If my story encourages even one parent to keep going or reminds them they are not alone, then every step of the journey has been worthwhile.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every Ounce of Love is a true labor of love. Like many nonprofit founders, I continue to work full-time while building an organization that was born from my own personal experience. Learning how to start and grow a nonprofit from the ground up, from understanding the legal requirements and fundraising to developing programs and building community partnerships, has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Because this mission is so personal, it’s easy to keep pushing and always feel like there’s more I could be doing. One of my biggest lessons has been learning that purpose also requires balance. I can’t pour into NICU families if I’m not also taking care of myself and being present for my own family.
I’ve learned to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Building a nonprofit takes time, patience, and a community of people who believe in the mission. Every family we support, every care package we deliver, and every connection we make reminds me that the journey is worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Every Ounce of Love was born from one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. After spending 75 days in the NICU with my daughter, I experienced firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and emotional challenges that come with that journey. While I will always be grateful for the incredible care provided by the nurses, physicians, social workers, and hospital staff, I also recognized the unique value of connecting with someone who had truly walked that same path.
Our mission is to complement the care families already receive by providing emotional support, therapy, care packages, resources, and a community where NICU families feel seen, heard, and understood. As a fellow NICU parent, I bring lived experience that allows me to connect with families on a deeply personal level. Sometimes the most powerful words a parent can hear are, “I’ve been where you are, and you’re not alone.”
One of my favorite parts of Every Ounce of Love is the community we’ve built. We don’t just support families through the difficult moments, we celebrate with them, too. Whether we’re sharing stories, laughing together, participating in activities, or celebrating milestones, we’re creating lasting connections that remind families they’re never alone.
What I’m most proud of is that Every Ounce of Love is more than a nonprofit—it’s a family. My hope is that every parent who connects with us leaves with renewed hope, meaningful support, and the confidence to navigate their journey knowing they have a community standing beside them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There is absolutely no way I could tell my story without recognizing the people who have poured into me along the way. First and foremost, I give all glory to God for opening doors, providing strength, and guiding me through every season of my life.
I’m incredibly grateful for my husband and children, whose love, encouragement, and sacrifices make it possible for me to pursue the work I’m so passionate about. Their unwavering support reminds me daily why the work I do matters. I especially want to recognize my daughter, Nailah, who entered this world weighing just 1 pound, 13 ounces. Her strength, resilience, and journey are the very reason Every Ounce of Love exists. Today, at nine years old, she’s still every bit the fighter she was in the NICU—determined, resilient, and full of personality. She may not realize it yet, but she inspired a vision that continues to impact families every day.
I also want to thank every volunteer, donor, community partner, and supporter who has believed in the mission of Every Ounce of Love. Whether they’ve donated items for care packages, volunteered at a fundraiser, shared our story, or simply encouraged a NICU family, each person has played a role in making this work possible. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has helped remind families that they are seen, supported, and never alone. Every Ounce of Love simply couldn’t do this work without them.
Pricing:
- All services are provided at no cost to NICU families because we believe every parent deserves access to support, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everyozoflove.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyozoflove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everyozoflove
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/every-ounce-of-love-inc/
Image Credits
Image Credits: Photography by:
@hi.kephotography and @shopmyphotography.
