Arizona Expands Community Doula Support for Postpartum Care

2026-07-03T11:22:00+02:00

Many families across Arizona continue to struggle to access adequate support after childbirth. Significant gaps remain in postpartum and maternal mental health services during a period that is crucial for the well-being of both parents and their infants.

To help bridge these gaps, the It Takes a Village initiative by 4th Trimester Arizona is working to expand access to care by training, certifying, and contracting additional community-based doulas. These professionals provide support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, helping bring essential services directly into local communities.

Backed by funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation's Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant, the program is strengthening Arizona's network of community-based maternal care providers while increasing access to postpartum support services. In 2025, 4th Trimester Arizona received a $100,000 grant aimed at helping doulas complete the training and certification processes required to serve families enrolled in AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program.

So far, the initiative has achieved several milestones:

Thirteen doulas have completed state certification requirements
Nine doulas have progressed through the Medicaid approval process
Nine doulas have entered into agreements with health plans
Two doulas have secured provider status with at least one health plan

"The support we've received has enabled the It Takes a Village initiative to evolve from an idea into an operational program by creating the infrastructure community-based doulas need to serve AHCCCS members," said Dr. Jennie Bever, CEO of 4th Trimester Arizona. "The current healthcare system does not provide enough support for mothers. By helping doulas navigate reimbursement and credentialing pathways, we're making trusted, relationship-centered care more accessible."

The initiative arrives at a particularly important time for maternal health in Arizona:

Approximately one in five women experience maternal mental health challenges
Maternal mental health disorders remain the leading complication associated with pregnancy and childbirth

Community-based doulas often act as trusted advocates and support partners throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum months. They help families understand available options, identify potential concerns, and access appropriate healthcare services.

"The strength of community-based doulas lies in the trust they build," Bever added. "Families are often more comfortable discussing concerns with someone who shares or understands their cultural background, language, life experiences, and community environment."

For doulas themselves, the program is creating more sustainable opportunities to provide care to underserved families.

"This incredible initiative has given me a sustainable pathway to continue my work as a community doula," said Brionna Giles, a certified doula and founder of Your Birth Story Birth Services. "I'm excited to extend that support and compassion to the families I serve."

AZ Blue continues to invest in maternal health initiatives across Arizona through its community outreach programs, philanthropic foundation, and Medicaid division, AZ Blue Health Choice.

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Supporting Veterans, Fighting Hunger & Empowering Communities

2025-02-10T14:07:00+01:00

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, the warmth of the holiday spirit fills our hearts. It’s a time of giving—a moment to reflect on the simple comforts we often take for granted, such as a warm home, clean clothing, and nourishing meals, which are not guaranteed for everyone.

At the PSEG Foundation, we take pride in supporting organizations that have positively impacted our communities throughout the year. Read on to discover some of the remarkable groups we collaborate with to make a difference.

Honoring Those Who Serve: Supporting Veterans

We deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by our veterans and are dedicated to supporting them in meaningful ways. Securing safe and affordable housing can be a challenge for many veterans, and that’s where Community Hope steps in. As the largest nonprofit in New Jersey focused on assisting homeless veterans and their families, this organization is making a lasting impact. We’re honored to support their mission.

Through our 2024 Neighborhood Partners Program, we’ve provided financial assistance to help sustain Community Hope’s vital services. Their programs offer transitional and permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention—ensuring veterans and their families receive the stability they deserve. By working together, we are strengthening communities and creating brighter futures for those who have given so much.

Another incredible organization we’re proud to support is Thomas Edison State University. With a two-year, $100,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation, the TESU Foundation’s Military and Veteran Scholarship Fund has helped military personnel and veterans pursue higher education. So far, 50 scholarships have been awarded to support these dedicated individuals.

Retired Army veteran S. Shamy shared, “The PSEG Military and Veteran Scholarship I received for the June 2024 semester covered tuition and study materials for a 3-credit history course. I am incredibly grateful for PSEG’s contributions in helping me complete my degree.”

Additionally, since 2014, we have partnered with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) to support their Veterans Legal Program. This initiative offers free legal aid, including virtual consultations and wellness checks, to veterans in need. PSEG attorneys and staff actively volunteer to assist the 338,000 veterans across New Jersey.

In recognition of this effort, Matt Jokajtys, PSEG’s managing counsel, was named a Defender of Justice at VLJ’s recent gala. Furthermore, PSEG, alongside Gibbons and McCarter & English, was nominated for the Pro Bono Institute’s Corporate Pro Bono Award.

Fighting Hunger: Addressing Food Insecurity

With nearly one million New Jersey residents experiencing food insecurity, we are committed to strengthening partnerships that provide essential resources. One of our key allies in this effort is the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), an organization dedicated to combating hunger.

Through a network of over 800 partners—including food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs for children and seniors—CFBNJ ensures that nutritious food reaches those in need. We are honored to contribute to their mission of ending hunger in New Jersey.

From 2024 to 2026, the PSEG Foundation will provide $250,000 in grants to support CFBNJ’s impactful initiatives. These funds will help sustain after-school meal programs, provide supplemental food for children, offer job training, and educate families on making healthy food choices on a budget.

Our employees are also actively involved. In early November, 15 PSEG volunteers helped distribute 548 cases of turkeys and over 2,000 holiday meal boxes—equating to more than 57,000 meals—during CFBNJ’s Thanksgiving Distribution Program at Branch Brook Park.

Another key partner in our fight against food insecurity is the Food Bank of South Jersey. Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties, this organization provides critical food assistance while also educating residents on healthy eating habits through cooking demonstrations and grocery store tours.

Additionally, we support HomeFront’s Food Pantry Program, which provides essential groceries and supplies to low-income families. One HomeFront client shared:

"After losing my job, finances became extremely tight. My grandchildren live with me, and I refuse to let them go hungry like I did at their age. Asking for help was difficult, but I’m grateful for HomeFront. Thanks to them, I have diapers for my baby grandson, school supplies for my granddaughter, and ingredients to prepare nutritious meals."

Together, we are not only tackling hunger but also creating opportunities and strengthening communities across the state.

Supporting Children’s Specialized Hospital

Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) is a national leader in providing medical care for children under 21, with 15 locations across New Jersey. Their dedicated team treats young patients facing complex medical, developmental, and mental health challenges.

For nearly two decades, we have partnered with CSH to support their mission. Since 2005, the PSEG Foundation and PSEG Corporate Social Responsibility have donated more than $7.2 million to help sustain the hospital’s critical services. Recently, we awarded CSH a $300,000 grant to fund its Social Determinants of Health Program, which aims to improve long-term health outcomes for children while providing essential support for their families.

Our employees are also passionate about this cause. Nearly 50 team members have contributed over 200 volunteer hours toward fundraising efforts for CSH’s annual Walk n’ Roll and golf outing events. Collectively, these efforts have raised $50,000 for Walk n’ Roll and over $700,000 for the golf fundraiser.

Building a Brighter Future