Chicago Beyond

We kicked off our 2024 Birth Equity Funders Summit with a Fireside Chat "Illinois Funding Birth Justice: Innovation, Collaboration, and Activation." Moderator Sona Smith of Ms. Foundation for Women, and panelists Shruti Jayaraman (Chicago Beyond), Jeanine Logan (Chicago South Side Birth Center), and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (State of Illinois) discussed the need for community-based models of care, run by and centered around people of color. They also discussed the progress they have made in Birth Justice and Equity in the state of Illinois. Learn about Ms. Foundation: https://forwomen.org Ms. Foundation Birth Justice Initiative: https://lnkd.in/eQmmuKaT Learn about Chicago Beyond: https://chicagobeyond.org Chicago Beyond Fellowship for Black Maternal Health: https://lnkd.in/eMrJqdKN Learn about the Chicago Southside Birth Center: https://lnkd.in/e4szhnpF https://lnkd.in/evTyk-kG Learn about Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton's work regarding Birth Justice and Equity: https://lnkd.in/e5JhMFAp https://lnkd.in/eqGkkM2v https://lnkd.in/eSm3XNSn #birthequity #birthjustice #MaternalHealth #funding

The new Netflix documentary, "Daughters," highlights the emotional toll children experience when visiting their parents who are incarcerated. These visits are often fraught with stress and trauma, impacting young lives in profound ways that can last a lifetime.    Chicago Beyond has worked to address this critical issue through a unique collaboration with the Chicago Children's Museum and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. By creating supportive environments and focusing on the needs of children, we can lessen trauma and foster healthier connections between children and their parents who are incarcerated.    Learn more about our collaboration, “Beyond Incarceration,” from the first edition of our guidebook for Holistic Safety in corrections, “Do I Have the Right to Feel Safe?” on page 46. https://lnkd.in/gwmwpNBA   https://lnkd.in/gW46WwHy  

Learn more about our multiyear partner, Life After Justice, and their Mental Health Pilot Program which is designed to support people wrongly convicted through holistic healing practices.

This is an exciting era for the birthing movement in Illinois! JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton are showing us what a state-level commitment looks like. Chicago Beyond has been investing in community-based birth leaders across the country. We know those closest to the issues have the wisdom, experience, heart, and drive to create sustainable change in an ever-changing world. #MaternalHealth #BlackMaternalHealth #Midwifery #Doulas

Our Leader in Residence Jeanine Valrie Logan, Founder of Chicago South Side Birth Center Initiative, spoke on WTTW/Chicago PBS Chicago Tonight alongside Senator State Lakesia Collins about the implications of the Birth Equity Act that Governor JB Pritzker recently signed into law. https://lnkd.in/exvCbPUM

Chicago Beyond was home to a historic moment for birth equity in Illinois. Watch a recap of the energy in our space when Governor JB Pritzker signed the Birth Equity Initiative into law - increasing investments in maternal health care, and expanding access for women and families statewide. Thank you to all those who made this legislation possible, including Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Senator Lakesia Collins, Representative Robyn Gabel, our very own Leader in Residence and Founder of The Chicago South Side Birth Center, Jeanine Valrie Logan, and so many others. It was a great honor to stand alongside leaders fighting for and protecting women’s rights in our state - paving the way for others to do the same. -—- Chicago Beyond works to address systemic inequity by backing solutions led by those closest to the issues. Visit chicagobeyond.org to learn more.  #BlackMaternalHealth #WomensRights #HealthcareEquity #Progress

A recent report published by the Commonwealth Fund further proves a difficult reality: the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, with Black women facing significantly higher risks. These statistics and reports can be hard to process but it’s information we can’t ignore. There is a critical need for systemic change to ensure equitable, quality maternal care for all, and we must prioritize policies that address these disparities and support every mother. Check out the new report and stay connected with Chicago Beyond to see how we’re continuing to invest in solutions to reverse this statistic. https://lnkd.in/gJ-Wc2Ua

Yesterday marked a historic milestone in Illinois with the passing of a crucial bill dedicated to maternal health. In this moment, I am holding space for the countless women who have endured mistreatment and discrimination. Their stories have paved the way for this momentous change. While this achievement is a significant step forward, this work is far from complete. Protecting women’s healthcare and rights is an ongoing mission, and this bill is an important step. Thank you to all those who made this legislation possible, including Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Senator Lakesia Collins, Representative Robyn Gabel, Jeanine Valrie Logan, and so many others. Together, we will continue to strive for a future where every woman receives the quality care and respect she deserves. Here’s to progress, resilience, and a brighter future for maternal health in Illinois! 👏 #BlackMaternalHealth #WomensRights #HealthcareEquality #IllinoisLegislation #Progress

It was an honor to host Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton as the Birth Equity Initiative was signed into law. This legislation marks a historic moment in amplifying community-based birth leaders and is a testament to Chicago Beyond's mission of backing solutions led by those closest to the issues in #Illinois and nationwide. Liz Dozier, Jeanine Valrie Logan, Robyn Gabel, Lakesia Collins, Yolonda Morris. #MaternalHealth #Midwifery #BlackMaternalHealth #Doulas

Have you checked out our new website? Chicago Beyond's new site shares our journey as a national philanthropic organization. We hope you will check out our story, and learn more about our investment partners! www.chicagobeyond.org