Dear Friends & Supporters,

Giving birth the second time around was so different from my first. I thought it would be easier, but honestly—it was harder. Yet, during this second becoming, my dedication to maternal health grew deeper than ever. My pregnancy journey strengthened my purpose in maternal support and education, reinforcing why having a knowledgeable doula matters, why the right care team is essential, and why knowing your body and advocating for yourself is just as important as any medical recommendation.

On August 4th, 2025, we welcomed our sweet baby girl, Eris—and let me tell you, she took her time!  I want to thank everyone who reached out with warm wishes, words of encouragement, and thoughtful gifts. While I’m in recovery, I’m also fired up for what’s ahead.

We’re gearing up for Operation Turkey 2025 and already looking ahead to Maternal Support and Education Day 2026. I’m thrilled to share that ITAVFoundation has been awarded a mini grant from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health to support our ongoing work to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Philadelphia.

This grant will directly fund our annual Maternal Support and Education Day Event—a signature initiative designed to empower, educate, and uplift pregnant and parenting individuals, especially within underserved communities. With this funding, we’ll be able to expand outreach, provide vital resources, and ensure every participant has a meaningful and supportive experience.

Even during this period of rest, our mission continues. We’re actively raising funds and collecting diapers and wipes for our Diaper Bank. Donate Here

For the holiday season, we would love to support families again. Last holiday season, thanks to our community partners, we supported 15 families with gift cards, diapers, toys, and household essentials, and provided Thanksgiving meals to students at MLK High School.

You can make a donation via our website www.itavf.org or PayPal to help us support families and students this holiday season. Our goal is to provide household essentials, gift cards, diapers, wipes, and more to those who need it most.

Can you believe this is the first year ITAVFoundation isn’t hosting a Back-to-School Community Day? I hosted my very first one at just 19 years old in 2009—that’s 16 years ago! Where did the time go!! Even during the pandemic, I found a way to make it happen, from back-to-school drop-off days to smaller block party events for families in need.

So when I found out we were expecting and realized my due date landed right in the middle of back-to-school season, I wrestled with the idea of stepping back. I was determined to still host something… but thanks to a wise friend who reminded me that rest is just as important—and that I have amazing community partners and leaders I can count on—I made the hard choice to sit this one out.

I’ll admit, it made me a little sad at first, but I’m truly grateful for the advice and for those who are stepping up to fill the gap this year. Postpartum recovery is important, and as much as I encourage others to prioritize it, I realized I needed to take my own advice too.

The work never stops, and neither does our hope. Thank you for standing with us as we prepare for an even stronger 2026. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved.

With gratitude and determination,
Trudean Haye
Founder & CEO, ITAVFoundation