The Dr. Corrine Walentik Award recognizes individuals and organizations that provide direct health or community services and use their expertise to advocate for improvements in child health. The honor highlights YWCA’s long-standing commitment to advancing racial equity in maternal and infant health.
YWCA Metro St. Louis’ Prenatal Services program works to ensure healthy, happy pregnancies and positive childbirth experiences. Through home visits, parent education sessions (socializations), and comprehensive case management, the program provides families with ongoing support during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Once a newborn reaches six weeks of age, families are offered enrollment in YWCA’s Early Head Start Program or its home-based option, creating a seamless bridge of care for families.
“Being recognized by Generate Health STL with the Dr. Corrine Walentik Award is such a meaningful honor,” said LaWanda Jones, Prenatal Services Manager. “Every day, we meet mothers where they are—offering care, compassion, and advocacy to help them and their babies thrive. This award is a reflection of the families we serve and the heart of our team.”
Stacy E. Johnson, Chief Early Education and Head Start Director at YWCA Metro St. Louis, added:
“Our Prenatal Services team embodies the mission of YWCA Metro St. Louis—empowering women and eliminating racism. Their dedication ensures that Black mothers and babies in our community have equitable access to care, education, and support during one of life’s most important journeys.”
YWCA Metro St. Louis congratulates LaWanda Jones and the Prenatal Services Team for this well-deserved recognition and thanks Generate Health STL for their continued leadership in advancing equity in maternal and child health.
For more information about YWCA Metro St. Louis Prenatal Services or to learn how to enroll, visit ywcastl.org/prenatal-services
ABOUT YWCA
YWCA Metro St. Louis is the region’s leading advocate for the safety, security and stability of women and children, serving nearly 10,000 women and families annually. The mission of YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. YWCA offers crisis services and rapid re-housing for victims of sexual and domestic violence; services for pregnant women, Head Start and Early Head Start early childhood education; career readiness and economic empowerment services for all clients; and racial justice educational programs.
