Chasing Change: How this Mom is Transforming Maternal Mental Health

In our special mini series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces and communities to get the support they and others needed. 

In this episode, Samantha speaks with Nikki Brooker, who has dedicated her life to supporting mothers in crisis. Nikki is the Founder and CEO of You Are Not Alone (YANA), a nonprofit organization created in the wake of two community tragedies that took the lives of two mothers and their children. YANA offers completely free programs to help support moms in their most difficult and crucial moments, ensuring that all moms feel safe, valued, and accepted. 

In their conversation, Samantha and Nikki discuss:

• How tragedy inspired Nikki and others to take action

  
  



• Pivoting YANA’s programs during the pandemic

  
  



• The mother’s role in their households’ mental health

  
  



• The importance of community and peer support for moms 

  
  



• Goals for YANA and its growth 

  
  

If you found this conversation impactful, you can learn more about YANA and their work on their website and their podcast, Let’s Be Real. You can also find more information on volunteer opportunities and making donations on the YANA website.

If you are currently expecting, or planning ahead, check out perkyleave.com to learn about your leave benefits. 

Moms With Benefits is chasing financial and emotional stability for motherhood. If you resonated with this episode, we’d love it if you would rate and review us to help spread the word. You can also find Moms With Benefits on Instagram @momswithbenefitsorg.