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About
The Grace Foundation Story
The Grace Foundation for Maternal Health and Wellness was born from a deeply personal journey. Our founder, Christina Runnels, experienced a challenging postpartum period after developing postpartum preeclampsia and struggling with postpartum anxiety. As a Houston-based perinatal mental health therapist, Christina recognized the severe lack of resources and support available to mothers during such a vulnerable time. ​
Christina’s own journey highlighted the gaps in care and the need for comprehensive support systems to help mothers heal and thrive. She realized that the information and guidance she needed were scarce, often learned only through personal experience rather than proactive education and support. This realization fueled her passion to create a foundation that would change the narrative for mothers everywhere.
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At the Grace Foundation, we envision a world where girls growing into women—like Christina’s own daughter, Scarlett Grace—have the opportunity for peaceful, happy, and safe birthing experiences, followed by a nurturing and supportive postpartum journey. Our mission is to ensure that every mother, regardless of her background, has access to the care, resources, and community she needs to flourish.
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We are committed to filling the gaps in maternal health and wellness by providing comprehensive maternal health support, education, advocacy, and emergency assistance. Our goal is to empower mothers with knowledge, support, and compassion so that they can enjoy healthy, joyful lives with their babies.
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Join us in our mission to create a better future for mothers and families, one step at a time. Together, we can make a difference.
Why Maternal Mental Health?
Maternal mental health is at the heart of everything we do, because we believe every mother deserves to feel supported, and every baby deserves the best start in life. The early months of motherhood, particularly during infancy, are such a delicate and transformative time. A mother's mental well-being during this period profoundly shapes her baby's growth and development, laying the foundation for a lifetime of connection, love, and health.
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Sadly, many mothers—especially in minority communities—struggle in silence without the support they need. Our nonprofit is dedicated to raising awareness about the deep inequalities in maternal health care and working to bridge that gap. We believe that with the right resources, education, and community support, no mother should have to navigate this journey alone.
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This mission is incredibly personal to Christina, whose own experience as a mother inspired the founding of this organization. In the "Our Story" section, she shares how close this cause is to her heart. But it's not just her story—it's the story of countless mothers who feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unheard.
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We believe that by uplifting mothers, we uplift entire communities. When a mother thrives, her child thrives, and the ripple effect is felt far and wide. Together, we can make sure that every mom, no matter where she comes from, feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower underserved women by providing comprehensive maternal health support that encompasses physical, emotional, and mental wellness. We are dedicated to reducing maternal morbidity and promoting safe, healthy, and joyful motherhood experiences. Through culturally sensitive care, education, advocacy, and community partnerships, we strive to ensure that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and support she needs to thrive through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
Impact
Our Reach
With your support, we have positively impacted the lives of over 500 women through our maternal health and wellness programs. Together, we continue to expand our reach and make a difference in the lives of more women in need.
Success Stories
Inspiring Transformations
Our success stories showcase the real impact of our initiatives on women's lives. From healthier pregnancies to improved well-being, these stories highlight the positive changes brought about by our programs.
Future Goals
Sustainable Development
We are dedicated to sustaining our efforts and expanding our services to reach more women in underserved communities. Our future goals include enhancing our programs, partnering with more organizations, and advocating for women's health and wellness rights.
Partnerships
Collaborations for Change
Collaborating with like-minded organizations and individuals is key to achieving our mission. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to create a lasting impact on women's health and wellness.
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