Sistas Caring 4 Sistas

01/01/2026

🎉✨💜Cheers to a progressive and transformative new year in maternal healthcare with SC4S! 💜✨🎉 #2026

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from Sistas Caring 4 Sistas! ✨
As we reflect on this season, we are grateful for our sisters, partners, supporters, and community who continue to walk with us in healing, advocacy, and love. May your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and restoration. 💜

12/16/2025

💛 Announcing Our New Executive Director 💛

We are honored to share that Chavaun D. Letman has been named the new Executive Director of Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, following the conclusion of Sheneika E. Smith’s tenure on December 31, 2025.

Chavaun joined SC4S in February 2024 as our Director of Operations and quickly became a powerful force in strengthening our systems, culture, and strategic foundation. Sheneika formally recommended Chavaun as the next Executive Director, reflecting deep confidence in her leadership, vision, and alignment with the mission.

With over a decade of experience in human services, maternal health advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Chavaun brings both strategic expertise and a deeply rooted commitment to equity, community voice, and culturally centered care. She is a trained community-based doula, maternal mental health advocate, NC MATTERS Fellow, and statewide leader in perinatal health.

As Executive Director, Chavaun will lead SC4S into its next chapter with a clear 30-60-90 day roadmap that centers organizational assessment, strategic alignment, and long-term sustainability. Her vision includes strengthening governance and internal systems, deepening community and board engagement, leveraging data and technology to increase impact, and building diversified, sustainable funding to support families for generations to come.

We are excited for this next chapter and deeply grateful for the continuity, care, and commitment that Chavaun brings to this role.

💛 Please join us in welcoming Chavaun D. Letman into this new chapter of leadership.

Congratulations, Chavaun!

12/15/2025

💛 A Message of Gratitude and Transition 💛

As we approach the close of 2025, we share that Sheneika E. Smith will conclude her time as Executive Director of SC4S on December 31, 2025, after serving in the role for two years.

Sheneika stepped into leadership during a tumultuous period and brought a strong, grounded presence to both SC4S and the broader community. She led with honesty and intention, naming hard realities while creating space for healing, growth, and sisterhood. Her leadership strengthened our work culture and helped rebuild trust across the organization.

Under her guidance, SC4S stabilized programs, strengthened relationships with referral partners and providers, and healed and reinforced one of our most significant partnerships with MAHEC. Her advocacy and consistency helped restore momentum at a critical time.

In September 2024, when Hurricane Helene impacted our region, Sheneika led with courage and compassion. While also navigating her own experience as a survivor, she brought staff and doulas together to ensure families continued receiving care and support.

During her tenure, SC4S expanded access to resources through the creation of a dedicated storage closet for doulas, community members, and active clients. This space increased access to essential items such as diapers and formula. Following the storm, Hhheeyyy Momma! was launched, a therapeutic support group facilitated by Dr. Katherine Hyde Hensley that provided connection and healing for mothers.

Sheneika strengthened SC4S internally by building a solid leadership and operations team. She hired Chavaun D. Letman as Director of Operations in February 2024 and brought on Iindia Pearson as Finance Manager in April 2024, supporting long term stability and sustainability.

She helped establish SC4S as a training hub in North Carolina through a partnership with HealthConnect One, resulting in the graduation of two cohorts of Community Based Doulas. In February 2025, during Black History Month, SC4S celebrated the graduation of 17 doulas, including Sheneika herself and her 17 year old daughter, a powerful reflection of leadership, legacy, and community empowerment.

In 2024, Sheneika maintained existing funding partnerships. In 2025, through a Dogwood Health Trust grant, she expanded funding capacity by bringing on Mary Snow to support additional funding streams. She also initiated the partnership with Kendra Scott, opening new opportunities for fundraising and community engagement.

She established a strong relationship with Carrie Pettler, Executive Director of Community Health Network of Western North Carolina, which launched the Strong Mothers, Stronger Communities Rural Expansion Cohort. Through this work, SC4S hired its first Project Manager, Liv Mott, and celebrated the cohort’s graduation of 15 Doulas on November 22, 2025.

Additionally, the Appalachian Womb Collective was born through a collaboration grant from DHT, The Center for Native Health, and B More Alive Ministries, reflecting a commitment to culturally rooted and community led care.

Above all, Sheneika has been a devoted and unwavering advocate for SC4S. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, heart, and lasting impact.

💐 Please join us in thanking Sheneika E. Smith for her service and transformational leadership.

12/11/2025

✨ A Month Ago Today… ✨

We gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of elegance, connection, and purpose at our Friend-raiser ParTEA. Looking back at these beautiful moments, we’re still filled with gratitude for everyone who made this event so meaningful. 💛🍂

To our on-site fundraiser sponsor, Kendra Scott, thank you for your generosity and partnership in supporting maternal health in our community.

Thank you to Councilwoman Kim Roney for joining us and standing with us in this work.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Oats-Judge for sharing her wisdom, compassion, and powerful perspective in the spirit of true collaboration.

Deep appreciation to Treasurer Caroline Rodier and The Inn on Westwood for providing such a beautiful space that set the tone for a truly elegant gathering.

We honor our Board Chair, Jasmine Moore, for courageously sharing her personal story as a former SC4S client, a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

Thank you to Boards by Betty for the stunning and delicious charcuterie spread that everyone enjoyed.

And to all of our Board members & Staff, thank you for the heart, time, and care you poured into this event. It showed in every detail.

Swipe through the beautifully captured photos by Ariel Shumaker to relive the warmth, elegance, and impact of that day. 📸✨
Together, we continue to uplift mothers, strengthen families, and build healthier futures.

12/10/2025

🔥Celebrating community care in Western NC
NC MATTERS has shared the 2025 Fellowship Regional Projects, and the work happening across our state is truly inspiring.

In Region 1 Western NC, fellows created a digital training designed to support doulas as they walk alongside birthing people who may be experiencing perinatal mental health or substance use challenges. The training lifts up trauma informed practices and strengthens the circle of support for families in our region.

This kind of collaboration reminds us that caring for parents and babies is a community effort. When we invest in doulas, providers, and support networks, we create safer and more connected spaces for families to thrive.

SC4S is grateful to share this update and to stand with partners who are working every day to improve perinatal wellbeing in Western North Carolina.

12/01/2025

🌟 Meet the Board Monday 🌟

This week, we’re excited to introduce Ashley Jackson, Board Director

💜 A little bit about Ashley:
An Asheville native and experienced social work professional with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from UNC Charlotte and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She has over a decade of experience serving youth and families, including seven years as a Foster Care Social Worker with Buncombe County DHHS. Ashley is known for her ability to build trust with youth, address trauma, and advocate effectively for the families she serves. She is also trained in Mental Health First Aid and is an active community advocate.

💜 Why she serves:
Ashley is a mother to her 9 year old son and believes that Black women deserve the best care and support during and after pregnancy.

💜 Fun fact: 🤩
Ashley holds certifications as a Community Health Worker, NC Certified Peer Support Specialist, former CNA and is currently a provisionally Licensed Clinical Social Worker! Her birthday is this week, Happy Birthday Ashley! 🤎

We’re so grateful for Ashley’s leadership, commitment, and heart in helping us carry out our mission.

That concludes our 🌟Meet the Board🌟 Monday series!

We’re seeking new Board members to join us! If you’re interested in more information, please send us a DM.

11/17/2025

🌟Meet the Board Monday 🌟

This week, we’re excited to introduce Selah Scott, who serves as a Board Director

💜 A little bit about Selah:
Selah is a North Carolina native, she has served at the Julian F. Keith Detox & Rehab Facility, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, and Koontz Intermediate School, supporting individuals and families through recovery, skill-building, and resource navigation.

💜 Why she serves:
A proud WCU alum with both her BSW and MSW, she continues to uplift communities through culturally competent and holistic practice. As a Sistas Caring 4 Sistas board member, she advocates to reduce birth-related inequities and strengthen support for mothers.

💜 Fun fact: 🤩
Selah has consistently kept her position at a local cafe serving/waiting tables throughout both BSW and MSW programs. She loves the Lord and is a bold proclaimer of her faith.

We’re so grateful for Selah's leadership, commitment, and heart in helping us carry out our mission.

Stay tuned next Monday as we continue highlighting the amazing leaders behind our work! 🎉

11/12/2025

Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining us at the SC4S Celebration. Your presence reminded us of the strength and compassion that exist within our community. Together, we are building stability, connection, and hope for those who need it most.

If you were not able to give during the event, or unable to attend the event there is still time to support this important work by donating through the link below:

Make a Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=HBQLBY87BTD3C

Every gift helps us continue to meet community needs and create opportunities for growth and belonging. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the shared vision of a stronger, more caring community.

With gratitude,

Jasmine Moore, Chair

Help Sistas Caring 4 Sistas reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

11/11/2025

🫖💞 It’s almost tea time! Our parTEA is happening tomorrow, and this is your last chance to join the fun! Don’t miss out on sweet treats, warm cups, and even warmer company.
🎟️ RSVP before the last spot is gone!

Board by Betty with Charcuterie
Kendra Scott with jewelry
Guest Speakers Dr. Oat-Judge and Councilwoman Kim Roney

Sneak Peek picture of our Tea Cart (and other options)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1731998888299?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/10/2025

🌟 Meet the Board Monday 🌟

This week, we’re excited to introduce Jasmine Moore, who serves as the Board Chair

💜 A little bit about Jasmine:
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Jasmine moved to Asheville, NC in 2017 after getting married. She is a passionate advocate with lived experience, as well as a knowledgeable and compassionate Social Worker. Jasmine currently serves as a Manager at Vaya Health, where she assists returning citizens with mental health needs as they reenter society post-incarceration.

💜 Why she serves:
Jasmine serves because she was once a client of SC4S during the birth of her second daughter. She received Doula care from two of the co-founders — the late and beloved Nikita Smart, who was her lactation specialist, and Wakina Robertson, who served as her postpartum Doula.

💜 Fun fact: 🤩
Jasmine is a Certified Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist, partnering with horses to help bring healing to humans at Moore Courage Healing & Wellness

We’re so grateful for Jasmine’s leadership, commitment, and heart in helping us carry out our mission.

Stay tuned next Monday as we continue highlighting the amazing leaders behind our work! 🎉

11/05/2025

🎉 The SC4S Friend-Raiser ParTEA is just ONE week away! ☕💐
Space is limited - don’t miss this beautiful afternoon of connection, purpose, and community.

Grab your tickets today and join us on Tuesday, November 11th at 4 PM at The Inn on Westwood! 💕✨

🎟️ Get your tickets now before they’re gone!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cup-of-care-partea-tickets-1731998888299?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=5db294b8b7dbb7377a193f95e3cd98a76d8454a58dc197f3b00e2f01aef835083dce692637bcc80d038731fab8b5e5ad665bb25aebed0654e1e7f4d34a60a866981db99cea4c218fbd28506126c5