Written by Tanya Terry, with featured photo courtesy of the REVIVE Community Health Center
Featured photo: One of the many groups of graduates from the REVIVE Village program. The REVIVE Community Health Center served between 170 and 265 mothers annually, impacting over 1,100 families total through its partnerships.
Revive Community Health Centers recently held a celebration event to honor six years of impact serving mothers and families in Flint. Founded by Rev. Dr. Ezra Tillman during the Flint water crisis as a grassroots response, the organization was led by CEO Catrina Tillman.
Catrina Tillman was selected as executive director due to her passion for the work, background in marketing and advertising, MBA and understanding of community issues, according to the center’s founder.
“My heart is always giving and wants to give to those moms who haven’t experienced the level of support that they should, that they’re worthy of experiencing,” said Mrs. Tillman. “We wanted to be able to be a safe space, for them to feel comfortable learning about motherhood, especially if they were first time moms. We made sure they felt comfortable to be vulnerable, to let us know the challenges that they may be facing so that we can be able to provide resources or connect them to resources, as such.”
The organization developed the innovative REVIVE Village Program, a three-tier initiative consisting of prenatal education workshops, postpartum mental health support and the Mommy and Me program for mothers and children up to age two. Through actively participating in these programs, mothers received free baby products using baby bucks valued between $1,200 and $1,500 on average.
The program was funded primarily by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office at $300,000 per year during the COVID period.
According to Ethan Simth, who attended the recent celebration event representing the State of Michigan, Michigan invested $117 million in maternal health initiatives.
REVIVE served between 170 and 265 mothers annually, impacting over 1,100 families total through partnerships such as those with Hamilton Community Health Network, Michigan State University, University of Michigan’s nursing program and faith-based organizations.
However, the organization faced severe funding challenges when Republican legislators cut nonprofit funding, forcing leadership to stretch remaining resources over three years and eventually close, according to the center’s founder.
“I’m just grateful that a vision came to pass – that without having the backing, without having any political ties, without having any other funding, we actually seen God open the door and sustain it these ten years in the making,” Rev. Dr. Tillman said. “And to say a decade of hard work that we’ve invested, it changed the generation. And so, I would take that to the grave as being a highlight of my life, something I never thought possible outside of ministry, that you’ll be able to get involved in community in that capacity, and be able to move forward.”
Tillman now serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, which he and his family said is in line with his calling and this season of his life.
Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer Jessica Staton emphasized the importance of building rapport and mutual regard with families rather than approaching services in a purely programmatic manner.
She stated: “Sometimes we know that with the maternal infant health programs, there is a disconnect sometimes between what families receive and the rapport that’s really built. So, we really prided ourselves on making sure that we can build a rapport for our families, making sure that they have what they need and that they can talk with us.”
Program Executive Assistant Angel Wiggins, who initially connected with REVIVE as an expecting mother, highlighted how staff members provided personal support beyond typical program services.
“It was nice to be honored,” said Wiggins. “Although it’s a fairly small program in comparison to some other programs in the area, we do operate on a decent scale in relation to our mom. So, it has not been an easy program to run, but I believe we’ve done a really good job with it, which shows by way of our mom and the relationships that we still have with them…”
Delores Smith, who works for GISD Head Start locally, personally benefited from the program. She stated she is now managing a high-risk pregnancy and cancer treatment with ongoing chemotherapy. So, she said it will be immensely helpful to already have the baby items she needs, as she will be unable to work. The program provided educational videos with helpful information about mental health, labor preparation and other important topics, Smith noted. She added it has brought hope to many low-income mothers in the area.
Shetoria Walker also testified about her experience with the program, noting how it helped her cope with postpartum depression. She described feeling lonely initially but found comfort in the community and sisterhood, learning coping skills from other women in the program. She noted learning about resources such as doulas and safe sleeping practices through the program.
Both women expressed concern that future mothers and families will lose access to the physical space and resources the program provided, though they plan to maintain connections through phone and a Facebook group.
Awards presented to recognize contributions from Reverend Doctor Ezra Lee Tillman, Katrina Tillman, Staton, Wiggins and community partners Gayle Shipp, Jonne McCoy White and Sean and Sonya Payne.
The event concluded with prayer and a shared meal, celebrating the organization’s legacy of changing mothers’ lives and serving as a beacon of hope to the Flint community.
A recent community giveaway event of REVIVE items at New Creation Church on Lennon Road distributed over 100 bags of diapers and wipes to expecting mothers and families who had recently delivered.
Additionally, an upcoming Moms Swap event on September 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the REVIVE Center, at 1221 Beach Street, will allow mothers to exchange gently used children’s clothing.
According to the Tillmans, they will maintain a presence in the Flint community. Catrina Tillman said they are currently considering new programs and events to help area mothers, such as a community baby shower.
