Rocking hope: Heirloom cradles a new generation

GALILEE CENTER

A rocking chair heirloom donated by Galilee Center of East Charlotte board of directors chair Joanne Jenkins to the MyBaby4Me initiative helps volunteers soothe babies.

In a community grappling with infant and maternal health disparities, the Galilee Center of East Charlotte has welcomed MyBaby4Me to its family of offerings that “feed the mind, body, and soul.” 

The initiative provides education on healthy pregnancies and newborn care, along with nutritious food, essential resources, and a much-needed sense of hope — all shared through weekly gatherings of women walking a similar path.

During one of MyBaby4Me's first gatherings, Joanne Jenkins, chair of the Galilee Center's board of directors, saw a volunteer gently pacing the room with a crying baby. Her immediate thought was simple yet profound: "That baby needs to be rocked."

That quiet observation sparked a deeply personal act of generosity. Jenkins immediately thought of her heirloom bentwood rocking chair that had been used by four generations of her family. Originally purchased in 1994 to rock her grandson, who is now 6-foot-4, Jenkins felt a clear impression that God was telling her to “pass it on.”

With care, Jenkins polished it up with mineral oil, tightened the screws, and had it delivered to the MyBaby4Me playroom at Galilee Center. 

“When you give things in love, you share a piece of your heart,” Jenkins shared.

Now used by MyBaby4Me participants and volunteers, the chair represents far more than comfort. It’s a symbol of community, legacy, and hope for mothers navigating challenging circumstances.

MyBaby4Me is an initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in collaboration with A Chance to Learn. Charlotte is the newest of the five cities hosting this initiative that offers free weekly classes, meals, transportation, and critical resources for new and expecting mothers. 

“Every mom deserves to feel supported, seen, and safe during pregnancy and postpartum,” said LaToyia Dennis, CEO and founder of A Chance to Learn. “Far too often, women — especially Black and brown moms — face this journey alone. We’re here to change that.”

Classes are held Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Galilee Center.

The initiative addresses a dire need in Mecklenburg County, where Black women face infant mortality rates two to three times higher than their white counterparts. In East Charlotte, the rate is 12.6 per 1,000 births, more than double the national average.

“We are grateful to welcome MyBaby4Me to Charlotte,” said Bryan Jenkins, an area faith leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “This collaboration offers vital support and encouragement — lifting and strengthening not only these dear women, but also their entire communities.”

For Jenkins, supporting MyBaby4Me is part of a spiritual journey. A former vestry member at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, she felt adrift when the church closed in 2013. She found healing by spending Sunday mornings in quiet devotion — “having breakfast with Jesus,” she called it. That was until a new opportunity arose: an invitation to serve at the Galilee Center.

“I asked God, ‘You want me to do what?’” she recalled. But drawing strength from her faith, Jenkins is glad she did. 

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