When Denise Stern learned she would be graduating from one child to three, she had some very real concerns about her ability to cope.
“I didn’t have anyone I could ask for help. I had a 17-month-old son and brought home twin girls. I know I wasn’t enjoying it the way it was meant to be,” said Stern.
Fast forward to present day and Stern is now slightly more rested, but the compassion for other mothers Stern gained from her experience grew into a business called “Let Mommy Sleep,” which employs registered nurses and licensed nurse practitioners to assist new parents in getting some much needed rest.
Stern uses “evidence-based education” which provides new parents with strategies based on actual studies rather than a collection of conventional “how to best raise baby” old wives tales.
While many people might consider her services a luxury, Stern said her services are vital in an age when many families don’t live under the same roof, and some family members suffer depression.
“The fact is that there are so many moms that are hurting, and that’s not acceptable. The women we work with often have to be told to go rest because they want to do it all- we all want to do it all,” said Stern.
Stern identified one group of moms that need the help she provides more than others: mothers with military-deployed spouses.
Citing a 2007 study that shows mothers with deployed spouses are 30 percent more likely to experience post-partum depression, Stern teamed up with Walter Reed Medical Center’s social work department and committed to providing 50 military moms with five nights of blissful slumber.
The project is fittingly named Mission: Sleep.
Currently, Mission: Sleep is looking for its “First Family of Mission: Sleep,” and is asking the community to nominate a military mom with a deployed spouse and a new baby who could use a few nights to rest and rejuvenate.
Anyone interested may submit a summary of whom they are nominating, and why, to the contact information on the Mission: Sleep website by Jan. 31.
The project is also looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the program, as well as in-kind donors who would like to provide items for events or items for mothers who are selected for the program.
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada día (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Sessions begin with a thorough assessment of leadership dynamics on July 15th, participants delve into the intricacies of personal branding and etiquette on July 16th, followed by practical guidance on crafting compelling LinkedIn profiles and resumes on July 17th. July 18th emphasizes the art of storytelling through personal statements, while July 19th culminates in portfolio presentations, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. The program concludes on July 20th with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the ELITE Academy’s graduates and their journey towards leadership excellence.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
