WHO WE SERVE

Since the early 1990’s, some 60,000 UN war refugees have begun their journeys as New Americans in Clarkston, GA, a small city located east of Metro Atlanta. With so many ethnic groups represented within and around the city, Clarkston has been called “the most diverse square mile in America” by the New York Times Magazine. 150 countries, 760 ethnic groups, and 140 languages can be found here. 

But escaping war and violence in one’s homeland isn’t the end of struggle for New Americans: today, 42% of our community lives below the poverty line, while the Georgia average is 17%. Language and cultural differences abound, and nowhere is that more evident than in the childbirth process.

THE CHALLENGES REFUGEE MOTHERS FACE

Pregnancy and childbirth are defining moments in a family's life. The experience can be daunting. Now, imagine giving birth in a country in which the language, culture and medical practices are unfamiliar. How would you overcome these common challenges refugee mothers face?
• Language & communication  barriers                         
• Differing cultural practices for pregnancy, birth and post-partum       
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome & depression   
• Malnutrition & other health issues affecting maternal and fetal health           
• Lack of transportation & financial resources  
• Lack of access to prenatal & birth information    
• Most will never have an American friend
I thought I was going crazy until I came to a class at Embrace and they taught us about how it's normal to feel sad after your baby is born, and that there is help if you need it. – Embrace mother

SUPPORT US

Donate

Contribute cash or get creative and host a baby shower. There are many ways to support Embrace!

Volunteer

Learn about the many opportunities to serve with Embrace.

Contact Us

Need more information about our programs? Interested in partnering with us? Have a great fundraising idea? We'd love to chat!