Do Care Doula Foundation Inc.
About Us
Our Programs
La Familia
Hispanic/Latino Program
Is a community program geared specifically towards the Spanish speaking community in Kent County and throughout the state of Delaware to support education and community buliding.
Growth: Family Resource Center
Provides essential support to families in Dover, Delaware. Operated by Do Care Doula Foundation Inc., the center offers food, diapers, childbirth education, support groups, and wellness services—empowering families with dignity and care.
Growth Maternal Village
Offers housing support to unhoused pregnant individuals and new parents through a partnership with the New Castle County Hope Center. In the near future, we will expand to provide additional housing services for those in need during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Our Mission
​Do Care Doula Foundation Inc is dedicated to holistically supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and well beyond. We are committed to reducing maternal health disparities by addressing the physical, emotional, and educational needs that often impact outcomes for underserved and marginalized communities. Through compassionate care, advocacy, and access to essential resources, we nurture the overall growth and well-being of every family we serve.
Our Board of Directors
Erica M. Allen
Executive Director
Brandi Tackett
Co-Chair
Maleka Pettyjohn
Board Member
Erika Gutierrez
Board Member
Ariandra Clark
Board Secretary
Janelle Bazemore
Co-Chair
Bios
Erica M. Allen
Executive Director
Erica is a mom of 4, an LPN, a birth/postpartum Doula, Community Outreach Perinatal Educator, Student Midwife and more. She is passionate about decreasing Black birth disparities within the state of Delaware and works extremely hard to make sure everyone is educated about the often underspoken health crisis and assists in eliminating them in whatever way possible.
Brandi Tackett
Co-Chair
Brandi resides in Philadelphia, PA, and has one son. After witnessing and experiencing the inequalities in Black Maternal Health among her peers and people very close to her, she wanted to commit herself to eradicating these disparities. She has her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and works for the federal government helping people find resources and benefits for the general public in relation to medical assistance, which makes her confident that she can help support the mission of Do Care Doula Foundation, Inc.
Janelle Bazemore
Co-Chair
Janelle resides in Greenville, DE with her husband and 2 beautiful daughters. She attended West Chester University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a double minor in Public Health and Nutrition. For the last 20+ years she has worked in the banking industry, with her current role as AVP in Commercial Banking with a local community bank. Janelle decided to join the board because she wants to make an impact on her community, spread knowledge to the underserved, and assist in decreasing birth disparities throughout the Black community.
Maleka Pettyjohn
Board Member
Currently residing in Millsboro, Delaware, Maleka is a wife, a mother of two, and a grandmother to a beautiful baby girl. Family is important and her number one priority. Maleka received her Associates Degree from Delaware Technical Community College in 2018, her Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Science in 2020 from Wilmington University, and her Masters of Science Degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership in 2022 from Wilmington University. She serves as Center Director for the Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc., a nonprofit organization which provides educational and supportive services to pregnant and parenting teens. Being a teen mom, herself, Maleka is very dedicated and passionate about what she does. She encourages her students to never give up, always believe in themselves and their dreams and, to know that even though they are young parents, they still can be and do whatever their hearts desire.
Erika Gutierrez
Board Member
Erika Gutierrez is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in community organizing and advocacy, particularly within Delaware's Latino community. As the creator of self-development community training and host of the podcast series Encuentra Tu Vida, she provides a space for women to explore personal growth and empowerment. Her work focuses on emotional independence and mental health, supporting migrant communities and advocating for their needs. Erika also serves as a leadership coach, helping individuals realize their potential and build sustainable life projects. Through workshops, public speaking, and her upcoming online platform, she inspires women to embrace their worth and create authentic lives free from limitations.
Thank you to our Funders & Donors
We exist because of you!
