Bushwhacking. If unfamiliar with the term it means, “to force one's way through a forested, overgrown, or unchartered area where no path exists”. Several years ago, I was introduced to this concept while participating in my son’s 50-miler boy scout hike. The hike had several requirements including forcing our way from one point on the trail to another. With an inexperienced guide leading the way, we bushwhacked ourselves into a disaster of epic proportions!
The long version of the story is much better than the short, but I’ll tease with being stranded in the mountains, saved by Wyoming search-and-rescue, making the national print news, and being celebrated by local television stations upon our return home. Heroes for a day with memories to last a lifetime!
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What does bushwhacking have to do with The Vitamin Bridge? More than I ever would have imagined as each step in the journey (nonprofit creation, vitamin procurement, first-touch provider affiliation, financial support development, social media advancement, etc.) has begun with, “We're in unchartered territory, how are we going to do this?” Although now more than two years old and having donated 20,000 bottles of prenatal vitamins, the question continues to be repeated as we grow.
We serve disadvantaged, expectant moms through a network of first-touch providers visited by our target population for free prenatal care. The magnitude of this need is best understood in knowing that over 50% of the more than 600,000 births in Texas each year will be: (1) funded through Medicaid for Pregnant Women benefits, or (2) uninsured. A significant number of those in need visit first-touch providers to receive pregnancy tests, sonograms, and other free services, including prenatal vitamins donated by The Vitamin Bridge.
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Our desire to balance growth while maintaining appropriate standards necessitates the transition from an all-volunteer organization to one with paid staff members supported by capable volunteers. We have begun this process through the generosity of The Catholic Foundation, which is funding the compensation for our first part-time employee, communications coordinator Chasidy Tidwell. Through other foundation support, our staff will expand in 2022.
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Growth constitutes added complexity, and we are working hard to assure that The Vitamin Bridge does so at the right pace. Since this is oftentimes challenging, we welcome your ideas or the opportunity to share more with you regarding the organization. I’ll even throw in the long version of the bushwhacking story as a conversation bonus!
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FIRST-TOUCH PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
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Houston is the largest city in Texas and its uninsured population rate is among the highest in the nation. Needs are great. Thankfully, The Source Houston offers locations in Spring Branch and the Medical District where disadvantaged, expectant moms receive a variety of free prenatal services including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and prenatal vitamins (courtesy of The Vitamin Bridge).
The Vitamin Bridge applauds the outstanding work being done by The Source Houston. Kudos to its leadership team and many volunteers as they impact lives in Houston and the surrounding area!
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I am humbled by the support of the many who have helped launch and grow The Vitamin Bridge. From prenatal vitamins to shipping boxes, from office equipment to employee #001, our supporters have given birth to this nonprofit and nurtured it through infancy. With each first-touch provider added and each additional woman served, together we are making a difference in the lives of moms and their babies.
I look to 2022 with anticipation as we reach deeper into Dallas/Fort Worth and further across the State of Texas, maybe even beyond. “Thank you” does not begin to cover the gratitude we feel for every prayer offered, hour volunteered, and dollar contributed toward our mission to help less fortunate moms toward a healthier pregnancy.
Merry Christmas to all, and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Martha Day
Co-Founder and President
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Follow @thevitaminbridge on Instagram for the latest news and updates!
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The Vitamin Bridge receives donations through Amazon Smile. Register with Amazon Smile so that a portion of your purchasing dollars go to support disadvantaged, expectant moms.
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Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, The Vitamin Bridge was formed to provide prenatal vitamins and healthy nutrition information to disadvantaged, expectant mothers. Everyone deserves a healthy start to life!
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