Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShonta Edwards.
LaShonta, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my journey as a mother with postpartum depression after I birthed my second child. I had not experienced these emotions with my firstborn. With my second, it felt as if I were hit by a bus. There was a time, I was shopping in Dollar general and had forgotten my son in the car because he, for the first time ever, was not crying! Did I mention that he was an obsessive crier? My aunt walked into Dollar General and said: “Hey, I thought you had Isaiah with you?” I looked at her with a blank expression and realized what happened. He was in the car. My aunt ran to the car, and of course, he was screaming to the top of his lungs. I begged her not to tell anyone. And to my knowledge, she didn’t. Fast forward 7, YES, SEVEN years. I was scrolling through Facebook and I read 2 posts that referenced individuals leaving their children in the car. “All those people forgetting to get their kids out of the car, I bet they aren’t forgetting to file them on their taxes” I’m pretty sure when I saw this I was seeing red.
Honestly, I felt a bit convicted. This was the first time I had shared my story. And on FB of all places. After my post, many women flooded my inbox with their own personal stories. It was then that I knew something had to be done. So, I began volunteering as an Area Coordinator with Postpartum Support International. Unfortunately, when mothers would call for local resources, I had none to give them. So in 2014, A Mother’s Sanctuary was founded and incorporated as a 501c3.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? What is that exactly? I’m kidding, slightly. This work, in general, is hard work. It’s HEART work, which makes it hard. I’ve had my intentions questioned. I’ve also had my credentials questioned. I’m often asked what degree I hold and what letters I have behind my name and I just simply reply M.O.M. There are times when the funding causes issues. We provide all of our services for the parents free of charge, however, the resources cost money. Money that we don’t have. So, because this is HEART work, I’m often times taking money from my home to support the moms here in Houston. And, I don’t regret it one bit. Sometimes, I question how or why I ended up on this journey, then a mom reminds me. I am here for them and their families and despite the hardships, I will continue to be here for them.
A Mother’s Sanctuary – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
A Mother’s Sanctuary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe environment for women who are suffering from maternal mental health complication. We promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to pregnancy not only to the mothers but to the family members and friends as well. It is our intent to continue to provide these services free of charge. This sets us apart in Houston. Our entire mission sets us apart from other organizations here. Also regardless of socioeconomic status, if it is a service that we can offer, you will receive the service. These services include; support groups, postpartum planning, and postpartum education classes. We are also in the process of implementing a program that will allow those that are unable to attain counseling due to finances. This fund will be set aside and paid to counselors, therapist, etc. (that we have vetted, of course) if the mother has a formal MMH diagnosis. We are also hoping to do the same for providing Postpartum Doulas.
For the past 2 years, we have run a Christmas drive and provided families with gifts thanks to the support of so many individuals around the nation. With the help of some amazing people, we were also able to provide assistance during Hurricane Harvey. Many of the items included personal hygiene, diapers, wipes, formula, breast pumps, car seats and so much more. I really couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of this journey is watching the mothers work through their pain and begin to heal then becoming volunteers within the program.
Contact Info:
- Address: 507 North Sam Houston Parkway East Suite 210
- Website: amsmothers.org
- Phone: 832.257.3318
- Email: lashonta@amsmothers.org
- Instagram: amotherssanct
- Facebook: facebook.com/amotherssanctuary
- Twitter: twitter.com/amsanct
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