About

The Mommy And Me Initiative Resource Center is committed to addressing the urgent and deeply rooted disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly among Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Our mission is to close the gap in infant mortality, maternal morbidity, and maternal mortality by addressing the root causes, such as social determinants of health (SDOH), limited access to quality care, housing instability, and food insecurity.

According to the CDC, in 2021, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, yet Black infants faced a rate of 10.6 deaths more than double that of White infants. These statistics reflect systemic inequities that we aim to combat through education, advocacy, and community support.

Dr. Kimberly Dudley, Founder and CEO, has conducted a community-based research study as part of her Doctorate of Public Health program. Her findings highlight the critical need for culturally competent care, comprehensive wraparound services, and trauma-informed maternal and infant support systems. This data-driven approach informs every program, workshop, and event we offer.

We believe in the power of prevention, education, and love. Our goal is to uplift families and ensure that every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Maternal and Child Health Program Impact Summary – Cuyahoga County

Served over 200+ women in Cuyahoga County, addressing critical maternal and child health needs.
Provided free Infant CPR classes to over 40 parents and caregivers, equipping them with life-saving skills.
Distributed over 300 baby boxes, each including diapers, wipes, bottles, and other essential items for newborns.
Conducted 10+ educational workshops, focusing on prenatal care, postpartum wellness, and infant development.
Hosted an Infant Safe Sleep event, distributing baby items such as car seats and pack-and-plays to over 150 women to promote safe sleep practices.
Provided referrals and assistance with mental health services, housing support, Medicaid applications, employment resources, and solutions for food insecurity—connecting over 100 families to essential resources and addressing SDOH barriers.
Partnered with local organizations to provide 20+ families with transitional housing and support services.
Distributed care packages with personal items to over 200 families, addressing immediate needs and providing comfort during challenging times.
Helped connect over 100 women to Medicaid and healthcare providers for prenatal and postpartum care.
Delivered emergency support for housing, food, and baby supplies to 75 families in crisis situations.
Advocated for maternal health equity and collaborated with public health agencies to improve outcomes for underserved populations, closing gaps in access to care and services.