Join Us in supporting the community
Providing Exceptional and Extensive Services To Our Diverse Community.
Join Us in supporting the community
Providing Exceptional and Extensive Services To Our Diverse Community.
Motherhood On Rikers Island: Inside The Jail’s Doula Program For Incarcerated Moms
- May 16, 2025
Courtesy of Essence
Motherhood is a gift, and those blessed to experience it would agree, even expecting mothers in jail.
According to a recent study, the number of incarcerated women in the United States has grown from 26,000 in 1980 to 168,000 in 2020. More than half (58%) of women in prisons and jails are mothers, and the number of children with an imprisoned mother has increased by 131% since 1991, surpassing the growth rate of incarcerated fathers. Mothers in lockup have a different experience compared to those who aren’t behind bars, as incarceration can impact the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of the mom and her baby, but luckily, programs of support are being established in jails, like Rikers Island’s Doula Program.
Latest News
We've Moved!
We are proud to welcome you to our new location at 2351 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, where we continue expanding access to essential health and support services.
We provide comprehensive, culturally responsive services through our Immigration & Legal, Doula & Women’s Health, and HIV departments. From visa assistance and case filings, to breastfeeding and parenting support, to confidential HIV testing, counseling, and prevention education — CWHA is here to support and empower individuals and families.
Serving disadvantaged communities breaks the cycle of impoverishment.
Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Inc. (CWHA) was founded in 1982. For over forty years CWHA has served as an advocacy group and service provider in the community.
CWHA strongly relies on community involvement in planning, implementation and evaluation of programs that meets the health and social support needs of the community.
There is continuous interaction with the community to review the appropriateness of the educational and promotional materials produced by CWHA.
Our impact is in the numbers
See our 2023 results
Breastfeeding support Clients
1
248 unique clients received breastfeeding education and support
Doula Clients
1
Supported over 500 clients with doula support
Immigration Cases
1
Filed over 200 Cases With US Citizenship and Immigration Services and US State Department in 2023
HIV/AIDS Testing
1
Over 300 HIV/AIDS Rapid Testing per Year
Good morning, Ms. Jordan. I hope your day goes extremely well. This is Mrs. Wooten I'm sending you this message regarding the extra incentives that have been provided to me. I thank you and the organization for providing parents during and after pregnancy with the essential items that are needed for their babies. Continue to give awesome care and customer service.
"Nonprofit aid has been a beacon of hope in my life. During times of uncertainty, their unwavering support has provided me with the resources and guidance I needed to overcome challenges. Their dedication to making a positive impact in the community is truly inspiring. Thanks to nonprofit aid, I have been able to access essential services that have transformed my life for the better."
Our Services
Immigration
Our Immigration team is staffed by experienced, licensed attorneys CWHA represents clients in the following areas:
- Adjustment of Status (Green Card in the US)
- Consular Processing (Filing for Relatives Overseas)
- Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewals
- More…
Women's Health
CWHA seeks to assist in the reduction of infant mortality and improve maternal and infant health outcomes and health disparities through community-based activities in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by poor birth, infant and health outcomes.
HIV/AIDS
For decades, CWHA has been involved in the fight to stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic. During the fiscal year 2021-2022, we educated roughly 10,000 residents on HIV prevention. Our HIV Prevention Team provides culturally relevant education on a wide range of topics relating to the most important health challenges in our communities.
CWHA's Activities, Events, Workshops, Training and more
Mom Baby Mobile Health Center Appointment Haitian Creole
Mom Baby Mobile Health Center Appointment Spanish
Mom and Baby Mobile Health Center Appointment English
Rhythms of Wellness
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Case Study | Testimonial
Our lives in Brooklyn Heights have improved...
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Kind words from our community
With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you
My baby boy is here and I owe a great deal to your Organization. The support provided meant a lot, at the outset of pregnancy ...
Jamie is a unicorn
I like to refer to Jamie as a unicorn. She’s so patient, understanding, caring and most importantly supportive. This was our first birth, my husband ...
Perfect postpartum doula
Sarah is patient, kind and doesn’t choose work to do. I would call her the perfect postpartum doula and am hoping that she will be ...
Valentina came to my family as an exceptional blessing. She did excellent job in reducing my stress and managing my daily life through her kind ...
Receiving that type of treatment meant the WORLD to me
She was so patient and gentle with me, especially when I was having contractions. I have never received this level of care so receiving that ...
Awesome care and customer service
Thank you and the organization for providing parents during and after pregnancy with the essential items that are needed for their babies. Continue to give ...
I thank God every day for putting that woman in my life
Harriet was a huge support for me and she stayed by my side until my son was born literally.
Ways to Give
Making a Difference in Multiple Ways
There are several meaningful ways for you to support CWHA and contribute to our cause.
CWHA Instagram
The HoPE program provides doula care, free of charge, to NYC residents who are pregnant or recently gave birth, regardless of immigration status.
