Bangla Moms Group

We are always searching for ways to provide the services people need directly in their community. Our Bangla Moms Group based in Cambridge is the perfect example.  Barbara Lewis, of our Early Intervention and EI Partnerships Program, is working with the Bengali community-bringing together a group of pregnant or new moms who have recently moved here from Bangladesh. The group meets in a community room in a building where many of the women live. Members participate in facilitated discussion led by Barbara and a Bengali interpreter, Qumrunessa Huda, where they receive information on infant care and developmental milestones, discuss topics of interest to new parents, and enjoy connecting with one another – decreasing isolation and fostering friendships. Through the group they are able to address cultural concerns unique to this vibrant and close-knit community. And, while the moms meet in their group, Laura D’Angelo and Amy Neill Bebergal lead a toddler playgroup, allowing the moms to talk free of distraction and let Laura and Amy work closely with the children.

Qumrunessa brought the issue to the EIPP team’s attention and between Riverside, and the Marigold Foundation, Barbara was able to secure the funding for the group. This is a wonderful example of the Cambridge community coming together to serve an unmet need!

~Scott M. Bock, Founder and President/CEO