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In the Press

Check out the media articles below that highlight the work of CBWW.

Health-ing hand: Atlanta foundation and nonprofits lead initiative for post-COVID wellness for women – WABE

April 3, 2023 by Jasmin Woodruff

Health-ing hand: Atlanta foundation and nonprofits lead initiative for post-COVID wellness for women – WABE

Apr 3, 2023

https://www.wabe.org/health-ing-hand-atlanta-foundation-and-nonprofits-lead-initiative-for-post-covid-wellness-for-women/?fbclid=IwAR1DVj5PsyYsJcom_3g3NwTJjhIeDkZuE1iNWen-NWIvu9S7zHNH9o5QQ2E&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Volunteers for The Center for Black Women’s Wellness provide service with a smile while preparing food giveaways for an upcoming event. The organization, established in 1988, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of underserved Black women throughout the Atlanta community. (Courtesy of Qu West Photography)

When Meredith Leapley arrived at last year’s Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon, an annual banquet held by the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF), she was overjoyed to see not only a high number in attendance but also donations. The highest number of donations in the foundation’s history, raising over $1.2 million, noted Leapley in a recent Zoom conversation.

In a time when most businesses and organizations are still recovering from financial hits from the COVID-19 pandemic, AWF has continued to rise in funding and familiarity throughout the city.

“I think that Atlanta Women’s Foundation is uniquely positioned in that we are seeing more interest and funding from that period of time,” said Leapley. “People are much more aware and have slowed down.”

As the board chair of the foundation, Leapley works alongside CEO Kari Love to ensure charitable contributions are consistent and that the women supported by AWF are able to thrive without any obstacles or intrusions.

AWF Board Chair Meredith Leapley, Joanna Price, actress Rita Moreno, Dr. Sujatha Reddy and AWF CEO Kari Love (from left to right) at the 26th Atlanta Women’s Foundation Numbers Too Big to Ignore Luncheon in 2022. (Courtesy of Kari Love)

The foundation, the only one of its kind in the state, was first established in 1986 and is dedicated to providing funding, resources and evaluation support to nonprofits that provide initiatives to low-income women and girls.

“When we actually empower women, it changes communities. When we start with girls and the systematic issues that face girls, we change their ability to succeed to their potential and [accomplish] what their dreams are,” said Leapley, who has served in the position since 2021.

“We give to so many important nonprofits that are making an impact and align with our mission, which is truly to break down any barriers or challenges for women and girls, and to end the poverty cycle. To be a catalyst for change.”

Leapley, who highlighted the foundation’s concentration on mental health in upcoming years, is also proud of AWF’s commitment to providing opportunities to uplift diversity in the nonprofits that they support.

“Inclusivity, if you aren’t looking at that within your business or your community, you’re already left behind,” she said. “It’s extremely important to help find those partners … to give them a seat at the table to be heard, seen and believed.”

One of these organizations includes The Center for Black Women’s Wellness, a nonprofit that assists women of color in metro Atlanta with healthcare resources.

The primary initiative in recent years has been advocating for Black women in terms of maternal health, cancer awareness, and a variety of other health-related causes.

“Currently, in the United States, all philanthropic giving to all the organizations that specifically impact girls and women, only 1.6% of the profits are directly going to girls and women.”Meredith Leapley, Board of Directors Chair – Atlanta Women’s Foundation

CEO Jemea Dorsey notes that the nonprofit has grown exponentially in employee and volunteer size, as well as the number of programs offered since her start with the organization in 1996. The healthcare advocate estimates that the center assists roughly over 3,000 women annually.

While the organization has received recent national recognition for its work, primarily during the 2020 protests over the death of Breonna Taylor, Dorsey says that the rise in awareness of the struggles that Black women often face in the U.S. is only one step in helping to solve issues related to systematic inequalities in healthcare.

She also stated that the COVID-19 lockdown shined a light on the difficulties that many female and Black-led organizations face on a daily basis.

“There has been more understanding now that Black-led organizations have not always received the help that they need… that a lot of Black-based organizations are underfunded,” said Dorsey. That we do so much programmatically, but yet we often don’t get the general operating support needed. I think historically, we tend to do a lot with a little. And that’s typically what Black women do anyway.”

Dorsey says that regardless of health, income, insurance status and education, outcomes related to Black maternal health are still worse compared to white counterparts.

The Center of Black Women’s Wellness CEO Jemea Dorsey (second to left) poses with colleagues the organization’s Ultimate Baby Shower, one of many events held to help spread awareness of maternal health and it disparities in the African American community compared to other racial counterparts. (Courtesy of Qu West Photography)

“I think that the reality is, there have been systems that have been designed to create these inequities. There is definitely more knowledge of the issues, but… there needs to be this will that we all have collectively as a society so that we change these systems and have more equitable care. Why is it ok that people go without health insurance? Why should we feel that we should just receive any type of treatment from a provider?” said Dorsey.

“As much as we can make a difference with the interventions and the programs that we do, there needs to be a true commitment from everyone, and it’s not just health care, it’s a multi-sector approach needed to make things better.”

Myra Rasnick, executive director of the Tucker-based nonprofit Ahimsa House, knows firsthand the importance of community in creating substantial change, particularly in providing emotional and mental support to victims of domestic abuse. 

Founded in 2004 by a survivor of domestic abuse, Ahimsa specializes in providing alternative care for the pets of abuse survivors who are temporarily unable to house their companions after escaping their previous living spaces.

The organization has a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning, veterinary care and foster housing for pets, and transportation resources for victims and their pets to leave the home safely.

“[Pets] can be their only source of unconditional love … the one true loving relationship that they have.”Myra Rasnick, Executive Director – Ahimsa House

According to Rasnick, studies show that abusers use pets as a way to control their victims, with 71% of victims claiming that their abuser harmed or killed their family pet as an act of intimidation. The director considers their services as a way to help the victim remove obstacles that they face upon making the decision to leave their relationships.

“We know that it’s a hurdle for people to leave. Sometimes it’s financial barriers … there are cultural barriers; not to mention people who have experienced past trauma or childhood abuse, they have their own set of barriers that they’re dealing with,” she said. “It’s not just a simple, ‘why don’t they just leave?’ It’s not that simple.”

Staff members pose at a table showcasing Ahimsa’s House. The nonprofit, founded in 2004 by a domestic abuse survivor, has dedicated its mission to providing the pets of abuse victims safe temporary housing/ foster care while their owners are rebuilding their lives after leaving the confines of abusive homes. (Courtesy of Myra Rasnick)

Rasnick notes that in many abusive relationships where the victim feels isolated and stripped of confidence, pets often serve as their only source of support.

Especially during the period of lockdown, the pets of most victims have grown to become their closest confidants.

“It can be their only source of unconditional love … the one true loving relationship that they have. I see that with not only adult survivors but also childhood survivors who have been in abusive homes,” said Rasnick. “It’s all about keeping people and their pets together, keeping families together.”

While Leapley states that the awareness and support of women-based organizations things have improved since her beginnings with the AWF nearly twenty-five years ago, both Georgia and the U.S. still have a long way to go.

“Currently, in the United States, all philanthropic giving to all the organizations that specifically impact girls and women, only 1.6% of the profits are directly going to girls and women,” said Leapley. “The more we get the Atlanta Women’s Foundation mission, results, our data out there, the more people that are coming towards us to partner.”

“These issues have always been here. Now the world is paying much more attention. That’s the positive part. In the hard-to-digest area, most of the women and girls who were already in a poverty circle were deeply devastated by COVID than ever before. There was such a hardship…I don’t know what would have happened if we weren’t able to raise the money to help support them.”

Filed Under: Press

AmeriCorps grants over $500,000 to three Atlanta-based organizations

April 3, 2023 by Jasmin Woodruff

AmeriCorps grants over $500,000 to three Atlanta-based organizations

Apr 3, 2023 · The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Donovan J. Thomas
AJC: AmeriCorps grants over $500,000 to three Atlanta-based organizations: AmeriCorps grants over $500,000 to three Atlanta-based organizations

By Donovan J. Thomas, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

With AmeriCorps Week coming to a close, the federal agency for volunteering and service awarded $500,000 in grants to three Atlanta-based community nonprofits.

The gifts will be used to expand the reach of the organizations, building upon the existing services provided to deepen their impact. Each organization employs AmeriCorps VISTA members, who dedicate one year of full-time service to help alleviate poverty in the community they serve.

The funding recipients are Covenant Community, Inc. with $197,040, The Center for Black Women’s Wellness with $78,360 and the Georgia State University Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence with $293,850.

Covenant Community, Inc. provides services for men battling with substance abuse, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness focuses on the health and wellness of underserved Black women and their families and the Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence serves underserved children and families that receive their education in the public school system.

“AmeriCorps really is about bringing in individuals to help build capacity of nonprofits,” said Jemea Dorsey, chief executive officer of the Center for Black Women’s Wellness. “It’s because of the work with the AmeriCorps program that we have been able to have more investments in terms of more volunteers, more donors and more resources for our patients who need it the most.”

According to AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael Smith, in 2022, Georgia had 2,400 AmeriCorps members and volunteers serving at nearly 500 sites across the state. Smith says the financial support given will help to support 28 full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members and five summer associates between the three organizations.

“These national service members will serve as volunteer leaders. They will build capacity for these three organizations and they will drive more equitable access to crucial community resources,” Smith said. ” Most importantly, they will bring hope and healing and possibility and opportunity for the folks, children and families across this great city.”

U.S. Rep Nikema Williams (GA-05) joined AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith in presenting the grants. Each of the recipients are within her congressional district.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Report for America are partnering to add more journalists to cover topics important to our community. Please help us fund this important work at ajc.com/give

Filed Under: Press

Kaiser Permanente donates $200K to improve statewide maternal, infant care

January 27, 2023 by Jemea Dorsey

Kaiser Permanente donates $200K to improve statewide maternal, infant care

Jan 27, 2023 · The Atlanta Voice
By Janelle Ward

Health care consortium Kaiser Permanente will donate $200,000 to the Center for Black Women’s Wellness and the Georgia Family Connection Partnership.

The two Atlanta-based organizations will receive roughly $100,000 each to better health practices among caregivers and shrink the racial gap negatively impacting Georgia’s Black families.

Filed Under: Press

Center for Black Women’s Wellness Serves Physical, Mental, and Financial Needs

January 19, 2023 by Jemea Dorsey

Center for Black Women’s Wellness Serves Physical, Mental, and Financial Needs

Jan 19, 2023 · Rough Draft Atlanta
By Clare S. Richie

The Center for Black Women’s Wellness rang in the new year as a Culture Catalyst on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Their segment spotlighted how the nonprofit addresses persistent inequities in health outcomes among underserved Atlanta Black women and their families through health care, prenatal services, mental health support, and educational workshops. 

“Our biggest push for 2023 is focusing on women’s healthcare for our community,” said CEO Jemea Dorsey “In light of the closing of the Atlanta Medical Center, we want to get the word out about who we are and what we do. We especially want to serve women who are uninsured or underinsured in need of vital health services, such as pap tests, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and lab services.” 

Filed Under: Press

Kaiser Permanente grants $200K to support work to improve maternal and infant care in Georgia

January 18, 2023 by Jemea Dorsey

Kaiser Permanente grants $200K to support work to improve maternal and infant care in Georgia

Jan 18, 2023 · Atlanta Tribune

Grants aim to connect more Georgians to lifesaving maternity care and education

Kaiser Permanente is granting nearly $200,000 to community organizations to help improve maternal and infant health in Georgia. The funding will help enhance prenatal and postnatal care, reduce the rate of low birthweight births and infant mortality, and address disparities in maternal care.

The grants will support two Atlanta-based organizations serving women and families across the state.

Filed Under: Press

Atlanta’s Center for Black Women’s Wellness reopens after expansion

February 28, 2022 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

Atlanta’s Center for Black Women’s Wellness reopens after expansion

Feb 28, 2022 · The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Wilborn P. Nobles III

After more than three decades, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness has expanded at the Dunbar Neighborhood Center in southwest Atlanta to serve more residents with affordable health care.

The center’s clientele base can now grow from 1,300 to 2,600 patients over the next six months thanks to an additional 1,500 square feet of space, according to the nonprofit.

Jemea Dorsey, the nonprofit’s CEO, said they provide free primary health care and mental health services to anyone who is uninsured or underinsured with low to moderate income.

“So many health conditions continue to disproportionately impact the Black community,” she said. “We believe we’re a trusted resource and a safe space for Black women and families and we want folks to know we’re here.”

Filed Under: Press

Two Days at Dunbar – Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Mechanicsville Peace March – Feb. 24 & 25, 2022

February 28, 2022 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

Two Days at Dunbar – Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Mechanicsville Peace March – Feb. 24 & 25, 2022

Feb 28, 2022 · Saporta Report
By Kelly Jordan

Filed Under: Press

Georgia health proposals hang in the balance as Biden official visits

December 15, 2021 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

Georgia health proposals hang in the balance as Biden official visits

Dec 15, 2021 · GPB News
By Andy Miller & Ariel Hart

A top federal official in charge of negotiating with Gov. Brian Kemp on Georgia’s high-stakes health care proposals visited Atlanta on Tuesday to talk about maternal health and other topics.

But Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, had no answers for when any of the half-million adults uninsured under current Georgia Medicaid rules might have a pathway to coverage.

Kemp and Brooks-LaSure didn’t even meet. A Kemp spokeswoman said the governor’s office got no invitation for a meeting.

It’s been more than a year since the Trump administration stamped a last-minute approval on two of Kemp’s health care “waiver” plans as Donald Trump’s presidential term drew to a close. And it’s been several months since President Joe Biden’s administration raised concerns and paused the plans.

Meanwhile, half a million Georgians remain uninsured in the “coverage gap”: too poor for subsidized ACA exchange insurance under federal law, and ineligible for Medicaid under current Georgia rules.

Both sides say they’re still in talks.

Filed Under: Press

AHF, corporate sponsors, celebrate 30 years of AIDS Walk Atlanta

September 20, 2021 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

AHF, corporate sponsors, celebrate 30 years of AIDS Walk Atlanta

Sep 20, 2021 · Saporta Report
By Allison Joyner

For more than 30 years, the AIDS Walk Atlanta has helped the city raise vital funds to support local HIV and AIDS nonprofit organizations.

Led by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the annual fundraiser will help these organizations continue their mission to bring awareness to and provide services for those living with AIDS.

AHF Atlanta Regional Director Dawn Averill said in a statement that the organization is “proud to present this event as one of the many ways that we educate and empower the local community to join the fight against HIV and AIDS.”


The Center for Black Women Wellness (CBWW) is one of the organizations that will receive funds raised from the walk. Their CEO, Jemea Dorsey says, its mission is to improve the health and well-being of Black women and their families and provide affordable quality healthcare for the uninsured.

“We have always integrated HIV testing in our work and want to recognize it and make it a normal part of receiving care whether you’re receiving GYN or primary care.”

Averill said that this year’s walk would be a family-fun event, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Filed Under: Press

The Jolt: Georgia Democrats, activists bring their voting rights fight to Washington

August 3, 2021 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

The Jolt: Georgia Democrats, activists bring their voting rights fight to Washington

Aug 3, 2021 · The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Tia Mitchell & Greg Bluestein

At a stop Monday in Atlanta, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra applauded Georgia Democrats for pursuing a “workaround” to compel the state to expand the Medicaid program.

“There’s a proposal that the state has put on the table, and we’re reviewing it. We’d like to work with them. We’d like to make it work,” he said, adding: “Georgia’s in the conversation. We just have to do it right.”

Becerra spoke at a roundtable event focused on Black maternal health at the Center for Black Women Wellness in Atlanta. Physicians, midwives and advocates urged more federal funding aimed at reducing the stark disparity in the state’s maternal mortality rate, which leaves Black women four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women.

Many of the attendees said that while expanding Medicaid would be a welcome step, state and federal leaders need to take more drastic action to narrow the gap. They urged more money for pilot programs and research initiatives, along with new laws that allow midwives broader medical authorities.

Filed Under: Press

HHS Secretary Becerra Visit Spotlights State’s Health Care Woes

August 3, 2021 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

HHS Secretary Becerra Visit Spotlights State’s Health Care Woes

Aug 3, 2021 · GPB
By Riley Bunch

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra visited Georgia on Monday amid a battle between state officials and federal Democrats over expanding Medicaid.

Becerra was joined by high-profile Democratic politicians including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and U.S. Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Lucy McBath and Nikema Williams.

During his trip, Becerra hosted roundtables with community leaders to hear firsthand the health care issues plaguing Georgians. From Atlanta to Norcross, advocates described racial disparities in medical services, told stories of poor maternal health and voiced support of expanding Medicaid to cover more people.

But Medicaid expansion in Georgia is unlikely, as Republican state officials and lawmakers have refused to take the option to expand insurance for poor adults under the Affordable Care Act.

Gov. Brian Kemp has instead offered his own partial expansion plan to the federal government, which is under review by Becerra’s agency. But the Biden administration has already rejected aspects of the proposal, suggesting that the plan will not get federal approval.

Georgia had the third highest uninsured population prior to the pandemic. The Peach State is one of 12 states that have chosen not to expand the federal health care program.

While at a meeting in Atlanta, Becerra said he is open to working with the state on its proposal but didn’t offer optimism about the outcome.

Filed Under: Press

Masks are important, Cabinet secretary says during Georgia visit

August 2, 2021 by Anita Reuben-Lartey

Masks are important, Cabinet secretary says during Georgia visit

Aug 2, 2021 · The Associated Press

ATLANTA – A top federal health official says he understands frustration with new mask requirements, but the country can overcome them if people accept responsibility for fighting the coronavirus.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was in Georgia on Monday as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the state continued to rise amid a low vaccination rate.

Becerra says he doesn’t blame Americans for questioning the mask requirement.

But he says everyone shares a responsibility to both get vaccinated and wear masks to help stave off the ongoing surge of the delta variant.

Filed Under: Press

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