Anyone who has experienced life with a newborn knows how hard those first few months can be, especially if you don’t have family or friends nearby. I remember feeling lost in a fog during those early days. Desperate for community and answers, I turned to the web, but that proved even more overwhelming. At a certain point, I decided to stop googling. Instead, I relied on the advice I received from my mom and friends. And yet, even with this support, I felt like I could have used a “village.” My mom lives far away and my friends who were also experiencing early motherhood had left L.A.

The Village, a community of support for new moms founded by three women during the pandemic, understands just how overwhelming new motherhood can be for some parents. Co-founders Christy Tabit Evans, Amira Samuel and Sarah Croce have made it their mission to support moms in need with practical resources such as meal kits, diapers and laundry services in addition to funds for birthing classes, doula services, babysitters and more. Christy is an Ob/Gyn and mom, Amira is a mom and former attorney supporting women pursuing justice, and Sarah is a birth doula working toward her masters in Nurse Midwifery.

During the pandemic The Village hosted two virtual fundraisers, which allowed them to provide five grants to moms in need. Their first in-person event kicks off later this month with the inaugural annual Stroller Stride on Sept. 26. The fundraising event will feature a 2.6 km walk along the beach in Santa Monica. A reception with refreshments from Primo Passo Coffee and Pressed Juicery, and a raffle with prizes like a 60-minute massage, $100 floral arrangement, a stroller and more, will follow the walk. L.A. Parent is a proud sponsor of the event, along with The Pump Station in Santa Monica. Through this event and future in-person fundraising events, The Village hopes to raise enough funds for all birthing people applying for support.

Stroller Stride will take place Sept. 26, starting at Bay St. in Santa Monica and ending at the North Beach Playground. For more events from The Village check out their events page.