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Who We Are
In Essence is an emerging maternal health navigation and education initiative rooted in Cumberland County, North Carolina.
We believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive information and support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, regardless of background, income, or circumstances.
Our work begins with listening. By engaging with families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations, we aim to better understand the barriers people face when seeking maternal healthcare and identify opportunities to make existing resources easier to access.
We Listen First. Because meaningful change begins with understanding the people we hope to serve.
Our Mission
Our Mission
To help ensure no one has to navigate pregnancy and postpartum alone by connecting families with accessible, culturally responsive maternal health information, education, and community resources.
Our Vision
Our Vision
A community where every family feels informed, supported, and empowered throughout their maternal health journey, with fewer barriers to the resources and care they deserve.
Meet Our Founder
Meet Our Founder
Essence Gaines
Founder |Birth Doula |Nursing Student
In Essence was founded by Essence Gaines, a mother, birth worker, and nursing student with a passion for maternal health education, advocacy, and community support.
Her personal experiences with motherhood, pregnancy loss, and navigating reproductive healthcare have shaped her belief that no one should feel alone, unheard, or unsupported during their maternal health journey.
With a background in birth and lactation support and a growing foundation in nursing, Essence is committed to understanding the challenges families face and helping create pathways toward more accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive care.
Through In Essence, she hopes to bring together community voices, healthcare professionals, and local organizations to build resources and programs that reflect the real needs of families in Cumberland County and beyond.
What We're Working Toward
In Essence is in its early stages of development. Our focus is on building a strong, community-informed foundation through:
Community Listening: Learning directly from families about their maternal health experiences, challenges, and priorities.
Resource Education: Developing an accessible directory of maternal health and family support resources.
Community Relationships: Connecting with healthcare professionals, public health organizations, and community advocates.
Future Programming: Exploring educational workshops, maternal wellness events, and resource navigation initiatives informed by community needs.
Our long-term vision includes expanding access to maternal health education and support throughout Cumberland County and surrounding communities.
Every Story Matters.
Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, community advocate, or organization interested in maternal health, your perspective matters. We welcome opportunities to listen, learn, and connect.
We Listen First.
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