By Lakeesha Harris - Executive Director of Chicago Volunteer Doulas It has been three years since the fall of Roe v. Wade, and the...

During Black Maternal Health Week, we gather to uplift truth, challenge harm, and protect the futures of Black families. This year, Chicago Volunteer Doulas is hosting a powerful virtual conversation on HIV Criminalization and Motherhood —a topic that sits at the intersection of reproductive justice, public health, and bodily autonomy. We are honored to welcome Kytara Epps (she/her) , Public Health and Advocacy Strategist, whose work centers Black reproductive health through

This year, CVD is hosting a Black Maternal Health Week Chicago resource swap, because for us at Chicago Volunteer Doulas, this work is not symbolic. It is lived work. It is a daily practice. It’s happening right now in homes, hospitals, and in community spaces across Chicago. And we’re bringing that work directly to you. 🌿Rooted in Community: Black Maternal Health Week Chicago Resource Swap On April 13 from 12 PM – 6 PM , we’re opening our doors for a community resource swap

As part of our CVDoula Spotlight , we’re taking time to recognize Annise P.—a Doula whose work reflects the heart of what care, connection, and community truly look like. Annise shows up with intention, compassion, and a deep belief that no one should have to navigate birth alone. Her journey into this work wasn’t by chance; it was alignment. What drew you to become a CVDoula? “Everything aligned at just the right time… Becoming a Doula had been on my heart for so long—I pray

There are moments when you can feel a shift happening in real time—and our World Doula Week, Doula Appreciation Social, and Cuppa for a Doula kickoff were a couple of those moments. What started as a gathering quickly became something more: a room filled with people rooted in care, curiosity, and a commitment to birth work. (See below for the gallery) ☕ A Powerful Start to Cuppa for a Doula The first day of our Cuppa for a Doula fundraising drive was nothing short of amazing

We are proud to announce that Chicago Volunteer Doulas has earned the CVD Silver Seal of Transparency from Candid for 2026 — a recognition that affirms our commitment to openness, accountability, and measurable impact. Transparency isn’t just a badge for us. It’s a value. Earning the Silver Seal means we have publicly shared detailed information about our programs, leadership, finances, and measurable outcomes so that donors, partners, and families can clearly see how we oper