 GROWING TOGETHER Building What Comes Next SPECIAL EDITION July 2026 NewsletterWe usually tell you what Josie’s Grace has accomplished. Today we’d like to talk about what's next. Every day, we witness the strength of mothers, families, volunteers, healthcare partners, and supporters who believe that no one should have to navigate the postpartum alone. Because of you, Josie’s Grace has become a place where families find hope, connection, and compassionate support during one of life’s most vulnerable seasons. Our largest funding source of the GRACE, fourth trimester program will be concluding end of December 2026. The work of securing what comes next starts now—not because we’re in crisis, but because families suffer if services pause while we work on funding. Building a sustainable future means building new partnerships, expanding our community of supporters, and ensuring Josie's Grace can continue serving families for years to come. Today, we’re inviting you to help us build the next chapter. HOW YOU CAN HELP Every Mom who walks through our doors plants a seed of hope. She may feel overwhelmed, under supported, or simply wondering if anyone understands what she's experiencing. Through compassionate, evidence-based support, that small seed has the opportunity to grow into healing, confidence, and connection. Today, more Moms are reaching out than ever before. That’s wonderful news—but it also means our work cannot stand still. We’re asking you to become part of the next season of growth. In this issue you’ll meet Sarah, who is just one recent example of how Josie's Grace is impacting our clients. You'll also see how our Healing Garden has become another place where hope takes root, and learn about the two upcoming community events for your calender: The Omega Project Fundraiser & Our First Annual Family BBQ - we hope you will attend. Most importantly you'll discover the many ways you can help us continue this work long after our current funding ends. Here’s what we need from you:
Every conversation. Together, we ensure that another mother finds hope exactly when she needs it. Message from Anne Postpartum emotional distress is common and it improves with connection, community support, and care for the new mother and baby. Criteria for the Josie's Grace Fourth Trimester Program is simple: First 3 months postpartum and interest in improving emotional wellness. That's it. We serve all new mothers. No other specific qualifiers to attend. This Psychiatric NP developed program has had a healing impact on all who participated (and their families will tell you the same!)
We are a safe place We are a program with impact We are growing more resources in 2027 ... Maternal Peer Support Groups with a companion online platform (a way to ensure more women are supported across our state of Delaware) and co-located services for lactation, therapies, movement, coaching and more. Encourage new mothers that this is the care they deserve. We aim to prevent the known risks of Maternal Mental Illness that 1:5 Women in the US experience. To date, we have served almost 280 new mothers of Delaware and the surrounding areas. Share this newsletter to your personal network today. - Anne DeCaire RN, PMHNP-BC Survivor, Provider, and Purpose led Mom YOU CAN HELP JOSIE'S GRACE THIS WEEK! The Omega Project is graciously hosting a Group Run & Fundraiser on Thursday, July 16th beginning at 6:00pm. You don't need to run! All proceeds will be donated to Josie's Grace. Last year they raised $3,000, in spite of torrential downpours for the run portion of the event. This year the goal is $5,000. and with your help we can easily reach it! Again, you don't need to run! Just show up at the Wilmington Brew Works at 3129 Miller Road in Wilmington and enjoy a cold beverage from their extensive Beer Board, a House Cocktail, Soda, Slushie, Glass of Wine or one of a number of Non-Alcoholic Selections while connecting with other Josie's Grace supporters, volunteers and friends. While you sip, peruse the many specially curated baskets from local businesses and supporters and when something catches your eye purchase a raffle ticket (or ten) for a chance to win! There will be something for everyone including a coffee flight, tickets to local garden attractions, yoga and pilates classes, dinner and a show, photography session, sports and nutrition, baseball, family fun and assorted party baskets. For a full list of basket sponsors see our shoutouts below. Food is available for purchase and light munchies will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!  Meet our Raffle Basket Sponsors Scout Cafe Empowered Wellness Studio Pure Yoga Studio DuPont Country Club DE Center for Horticulture 3&D Sports Performance The Candlelight Theater Elsmere Nutrition Little Cakes Rooted Patriots Glen Golf Community Hot Bagels Journey On Photography Longwood Gardens Posh Salon Nathan Pegram,CFI Kelly Ruggiero, Arbonne Paul Ruggiero, NKS Diamond State Curling Club JG Volunteer Cuddlers Emily & Tom Leonardi Highmark BCBS Salesianum Book Store Special Thanks to Wilmington Brew Works for donating the use of the Alamo Room for the event! Client Spotlight This quarter we are honored to share the experience of our client, Sarah Robins, in her own words. "Being a first-time mom and navigating postpartum is an experience no one can truly prepare you for. But being the Type A person that I am, I certainly tried. I read the books, listened to the podcasts, asked friends about their experiences, Googled far too much, took online and in-person classes, and did everything I could to create the "right" support system before my daughter arrived. I had heard about postpartum depression, but no one really talked to me about postpartum anxiety or OCD. The moment my daughter was born, anxiety washed over me like a tidal wave. I found myself caught in an endless cycle of fear, constantly worrying about her health, her safety, and whether I was doing enough. How do I keep her alive? What if she's in distress and I can't soothe her? Is she eating enough? Sleeping enough? Why does she hate the car so much? Is it normal that bouncing her on a yoga ball is the only thing that calms her? Every evening, I could feel my heart race as bedtime approached, knowing another night of uncertainty was ahead. As the days turned into weeks, I struggled to find my footing during one of the biggest transitions of my life. One of my closest friends told me about Josie's Grace, a four week grant funded program designed to support and care for postpartum women as they navigate this time in their life. I reluctantly signed up, feeling anxious and panicked about not only being out in the world with my newborn alone but having to drive 30 minutes to get to the program. Would my baby be okay in the car screaming for 30 minutes? Could I tolerate hearing her cry for that long without having a complete panic attack myself? Looking back, attending Josie's Grace was exactly what I needed. From the very first session, I felt seen, understood, and supported without judgment. I could finally breathe. I was able to slow down the racing thoughts, connect with other mothers, and learn to trust that my little baby was actually quite resilient and not as fragile as I had believed. I found confidence and bravery within myself as a new mother and was able to regain trust in my own maternal instincts. Each week, I left the program feeling nourished emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Josie’s Grace reminded me that healing happens in connection, that vulnerability is met with compassion, and that no mother is meant to navigate postpartum alone. I will always be grateful for this program, for the women who made it possible, and for the way it shaped my postpartum experience by showing me that I was stronger, more capable, and never as alone as my anxiety made me believe." Week 4 of our GRACE program, each mom is asked to choose one 'word' to describe their experience at Josie's Grace. Sarah wrote 'HELD'. Holding space for mothers (and babies) is what we do best Building the FutureThe future won't be built by one grant. Or one donor. It will be built by a community that believes mothers deserve compassionate care. Thank you to all who have given of your time, expertise, and funds. Thank you for helping us build the future of Josie's Grace Nonprofit. In the GardenGood Things Grow Here The Josie’s Grace Healing Garden continues to bloom—and so does the community that makes it possible. Each Wednesday, moms, families, volunteers, and neighbors gather to plant, weed, harvest, and simply enjoy time together. This summer we’ve welcomed beautiful new blooms, the season’s first vegetables, helping hands from Boy Scout Troop 2, and countless moments of connection that remind us healing happens in many different ways. As we celebrate this special fundraising edition, the garden is a perfect reminder that every act of generosity helps something grow. Whether it’s a financial gift, an afternoon spent pulling weeds, or a Scout troop giving their Saturday to help care for the space, every contribution becomes part of something bigger than itself. 🌻 Join us! Wednesdays 4-7pm we'll be in the garden - tending, visiting, harvesting and healing - and we’d love to welcome you. FREE ~ BLOOMS & BBQ Event on Wednesday, July 22nd with food, yard games, music, and fun for the whole family. Come see what’s growing!  Some of our new Moms gathering in the garden   Everyone helps - Anne clipping herbs in the background and some of our littlest helpers working hard!   Nic DeCaire never stops supporting JG and Boy Scout Troop 2 with their leaders and families really stepped up! MEET THE BOARD Anne DeCaire , President Dani Hamilton, (Alumna) Secretary Bonnie Porter, Treasurer Janice Boc Myers, Director of Volunteers Megan Pegram, Director of Development Leah-Kate Lounsbury, Community Engagement Emily Smith (Alumna), Community Engagement Lauren Denis (Alumna), Special Programs Shawnisha Thomas, Postpartum Support International Development Committee 2026 Zaynah Henry, Alumna Nathalie Romance, Alumna Advisors 2026 Margie Kandra (Nemours) Kathryn M Godfrey (Christiana Care) Support Josie's Grace |
