08/30/2026
💜 Pregnancy & Beyond: A Day of Learning, Connection & Celebration! 💜
Expectant and new parents received valuable tools, resources and encouragement to help them make the most of their parenting journey at Gift of Life Foundation’s Pregnancy & Beyond, held Saturday, August 29, at Trenholm State Community College.
The day began with a warm welcome from Gift of Life Executive Director Dr. Regina Traylor, followed by a delicious breakfast and an opportunity for attendees to connect with community vendors and explore the many resources available to support healthy mothers, healthy babies and growing families.
Then, the learning—and fun—began!
👶 Dr. Artrina Stephens, BS, MSN, RNC-OB, Mother, Baby and Labor & Delivery Advanced Clinical Educator at Baptist Medical Center South, kicked things off with an informative look at the services available to families before, during and after delivery. She also provided important guidance about pregnancy warning signs, when to contact an OB and when it’s time to head to the emergency room.
🥗 Jovonna Gunn brought energy and fun to the conversation about nutrition during pregnancy. Attendees tested their knowledge during an exciting game of “Spin the Wheel,” answering pregnancy and nutrition questions for a chance to win hydration bottles. Learning has never been so much fun!
💚 We closed out the day with an honest and encouraging conversation about maternal mental health led by Monica Acoff, MSW, LICSW-S, Clinical Director/Owner of TAG (Teaching And Guiding) Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC. Monica reminded moms and dads that anxiety, doubt and other emotions can be normal and valid parts of the pregnancy and postpartum journey—and, most importantly, that no one has to navigate those feelings alone. She shared practical tools, encouragement and pathways to supportive care.
💜 It truly takes a village!
Gift of Life extends our heartfelt appreciation to Trenholm State Community College for providing a wonderful space for this special event and to every vendor and community partner who showed up ready to serve, educate and connect families with resources:
Baptist Health • ADPH PRAMS • ADPH Region V Perinatal Coordinator April Ray and her team • Montgomery County WIC Office • Rickey Pitts • Primerica Financial Services • NyNi Candle Company • The Wellness Coalition • ADPH Well Woman Program • ADPH STD/Fast Track Sexual Health Testing Program
And then, there are those who worked behind the scenes to make the magic happen. ✨
A VERY special thank-you to our amazing volunteers, Shirley Daniel and Demetria Peoples, and to the entire Gift of Life team for the countless hours of preparation and hard work—from setting up the venue and coordinating décor and food to stuffing and transporting mommy and daddy bags, greeting and registering guests, distributing resources, securing and preparing our speakers, promoting the event and making sure every detail was ready.
And, of course, we cannot forget the most important job of all…
🧹 THE CLEANUP! 😂
To every person who contributed their time, talent, resources, energy and heart to Pregnancy & Beyond: THANK YOU! Because of you, families left with more knowledge, more resources, more confidence and felt supported.
We’ll see you next year! 💜💚
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