Empowering Mothers, Nurturing Futures
Empowering mothers and improving maternal health through mentorship, education, and community support.
“Empowering mothers today means nurturing the strength, health, and futures of generations to come.”
Project Beautiful:
Empowering Expectant Mothers Through A Village Model
Project Beautiful exists to uplift and support expectant Black mothers in underserved communities by fostering a nurturing village of care. Recognizing the unique challenges these mothers face, Project Beautiful offers a mentorship program grounded in collaboration and compassion. The village comprises a diverse group of women, including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, birth advocates, doulas, and holistic mindfulness practitioners, all dedicated to providing comprehensive support.
Over the course of two transformative years, this initiative delivers trauma-informed care modalities, mindfulness practices, and essential prenatal and postnatal services. Each participant is enveloped in a community that not only prioritizes their physical health but also nurtures their emotional and mental well-being. Through love and solidarity, Project Beautiful empowers mothers, equipping them with the resources they need to thrive in their journeys to motherhood. In doing so, it seeks to dismantle systemic disparities and foster a brighter future for families in these communities.
critical research concern
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
As a participant in the 2024 READI, Set, BRACE program, Dr. Phillips-Bey identified a critical research concern: the lack of cultural integrity and spiritual care for African American expectant mothers, contributing to alarming disparities in infant mortality rates within the community. She recognizes that these barriers hinder effective communication with healthcare professionals and compromise post-natal care.
Understanding the importance of maternal health support, Dr. Phillips-Bey advocates for evidence-based best practices tailored to African American mothers. She emphasizes that continuous support, beginning in pregnancy and extending through the child’s second birthday, is vital for infant survival.
Target Population and Impact
Project Beautiful specifically targets first-time African American mothers aged 13-21 in Northeast Ohio. Although the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, Dr. Phillips-Bey adapted the initiative by transitioning to an online platform, enhancing accessibility for young mothers. This innovative approach provides tailored support, educational resources, and community engagement from the safety and comfort of their homes, removing barriers such as transportation and geographic limitations.
The core mission of Project Beautiful is to reduce infant mortality rates through comprehensive prenatal education and support. The online platform aims to assist up to 1,200 mothers annually, with each class accommodating up to 30 participants to ensure personalized attention and interactive learning experiences. This structure empowers mothers to navigate their pregnancies with confidence and care.
Project Beautiful embodies a profound commitment to transforming maternal health for African American women in Northeast Ohio. By forging partnerships and leveraging community resources, Dr. Latia Phillips-Bey aspires to create a future where every expectant mother receives the holistic care and support, she deserves. Together, we can realize this vision and make a lasting impact on maternal and infant health in our communities.
Bioethical Considerations
The bioethics component of building a model for addressing infant mortality in African American communities, particularly within the context of a holistic “village” approach, is indeed critical.
Infant mortality rates are notably higher among African American populations compared to their white counterparts. As of the most recent data available, The Infant mortality rate for African American babies is approximately 10.6 per 1,000 live births, which is more than double the rate for white babies, which is about 4.5 per 1,000 live births (as of 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). This disparity reflects a persistent and significant gap in health outcomes. Addressing the bioethical aspects of this disparity involves several critical areas:
The bioethical imperative is to tackle the systemic inequities that contribute to the higher infant mortality rate among African American babies. This includes addressing social determinants of health such as access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and environmental conditions. Additionally, lack of resources must be addressed to ensure equitable distribution of resources and interventions to communities with higher infant mortality rates. This involves not only healthcare access but also support for related social services.
The H.E.A.L. Theory, created by Dr. Latia Phillips-Bey in 2019 as part of the Project Beautiful initiative for black material health and reducing infant mortality amongst black women, is a village concept that Incorporates culturally relevant practices and beliefs into healthcare interventions. Respecting and understanding cultural differences can improve the effectiveness of health strategies and foster trust within the community, including, Involving African American communities in the design and implementation of program models aimed at reducing infant mortality. This ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate and more likely to be accepted and effective while creating a collaborative village through a holistic support system that houses mindfulness practices that addresses the full spectrum of needs within the community, including physical health, mental well-being, and social support. This approach helps create a supportive environment for mothers and reduces stressors that may impact infant health. By addressing these bioethical considerations, efforts to reduce infant mortality among African American babies can be more effective, respectful, and equitable.
Population
Established in 2020, Project Beautiful is a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting first-time expectant African American mothers aged 13-21 who migrate from underserved communities in Northeast Ohio. The organization was born out of a deep commitment to addressing the specific needs of this demographic, but its efforts were momentarily paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During this challenging period, Dr. Latia Phillips-Bey, the driving force behind Project Beautiful, innovatively pivoted to an online platform, recognizing it as the most effective means of reaching and aiding these young mothers during uncertain times.
Project Beautiful’s online presence is a strategic choice designed to overcome barriers such as limited access to transportation and healthcare facilities, which are prevalent in underserved areas. By providing a virtual platform, the organization ensures that expectant mothers can access essential resources, education, and support from the safety and convenience of their homes. This approach not only facilitates greater participation but also adapts to the varying needs and schedules of the young mothers it serves.
The primary mission of Project Beautiful is to reduce infant mortality rates by offering comprehensive prenatal care and education. Each year, the organization is poised to support up to 1,200 mothers through its programs. The online classes are designed to be intimate and interactive, with each session accommodating up to 30 participants. This format allows for personalized support and fosters a sense of community among the mothers.
Project Beautiful stands as a vital resource and beacon of hope for young mothers in Northeast Ohio, committed to enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes and empowering a generation of future mothers with the knowledge and support they need.
OUR
MISSION
At Project Beautiful Organization, our mission is to foster a nurturing and empowering community for expectant mothers, with a profound commitment to reducing disparities in maternal and infant health. We believe every mother deserves the profound strength of a supportive village, where holistic care and mindfulness practices are seamlessly integrated to uplift and heal.
Our organization provides comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care, tailored to meet the unique needs of African American women, who face disproportionate challenges in maternal health. Through a compassionate blend of medical excellence and mindful support, we aim to bridge the gap in infant mortality rates and champion the well-being of both mothers and their newborns.
In embracing the village model, we cultivate an environment where every mother receives the care, respect, and encouragement she needs to thrive. By honoring cultural wisdom, promoting emotional resilience, and ensuring access to essential resources, we aspire to create a legacy of health, hope, and holistic wellness for generations to come. Together, we build a brighter future—one where every mother and child flourish in a community bound by love and unwavering support.
OUR
VISION
At Project Beautiful Organization, our vision is to create a world where every African American mother and her baby are surrounded by a healing village that ensures their vibrant health and safety. We envision a future where the profound disparities in infant mortality rates are eradicated through a holistic approach that integrates traditional wisdom, innovative healing modalities, and unwavering community support.
Our dream is to cultivate an environment where expectant mothers are embraced by a network of care that promotes physical well-being, emotional resilience, and spiritual harmony. By championing a comprehensive model of healing—encompassing mindfulness, personalized prenatal care, and communal encouragement—we aim to transform the landscape of maternal and infant health.
In this envisioned future, every mother is empowered, every baby thrives, and every community stands united in nurturing a legacy of health and hope. Through our collective efforts, we aspire to set a new standard for maternal care—one where every woman and child experience the full measure of love, support, and vitality they deserve.
Our Approach
How We Make a Difference
Our holistic programs focus on empowering Black mothers through mentorship, health education, and emotional support. We believe that when women thrive, their families and communities thrive with them.
Mentorship for Expectant Mothers
One-on-one guidance through pregnancy and early motherhood.
Mental Health and Trauma Support
Culturally sensitive trauma recovery resources for mothers.
Health Advocacy and Education
Workshops on navigating healthcare systems and advocating for maternal rights.
Get Involved
Be Part of the Solution
Every step we take together makes a difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or become a mentor, your contribution helps reduce disparities and improve Black maternal health outcomes.
Donate Now
Your donation directly supports Black mothers and infants by funding healthcare, mentorship, and vital resources. Help save lives!
Volunteer with Us
Make a difference by offering your time and skills to support Black mothers and their families. Your help strengthens our community.
Become a Mentor
Guide and empower Black mothers through pregnancy and beyond. Your mentorship offers vital support and helps build stronger futures.
Impact Stories
Stories of Hope and Resilience
Read the stories of Black women who have overcome adversity, reclaimed their health, and built thriving futures for their families with our support.
“I was scared and alone in my pregnancy until I found this community. Now, I’m thriving and my baby is healthy. Thank you for giving me hope.”
— Tasha, Mother of 2
“The mentorship helped me understand my healthcare rights and made me feel empowered to speak up for myself during my delivery.”
— Rachel, First-time Mom
“This community gave me the confidence and support I needed as a new mother. I now feel empowered to advocate for myself and my baby.”
— Lena, New Mom
Project Beautiful: Empowering Expectant Mothers Through A Village Model
Your Support Can Save Lives
Together, we can reduce Black infant mortality rates and provide Black women with the care and mentorship they deserve.
Join our cause today.
Project Beautiful 