Written by: Mary Westbrook, PFP Staff
From PFP Headquarters, Norfolk, VA

Last week our staff visited with the 20 Dominican women who serve as our Resource Mothers (or “Madres Tutelares”) in the barrios of Santo Domingo. Each Resource Mother works one-on-one with a number of pregnant adolescents living in the barrios, mentoring the girls through their pregnancy and the baby’s first year.

In her own words, here are Altagracia’s thoughts on the program and her ongoing role as a Resource Mother.


Altagracia and Dr. Ramon Lopez, Director of the Americas, Physicians for Peace

The program started here in Santo Domingo in 2005 with 10 Resource Mothers, two per barrio. (Today, the program has 20 Resource Mothers working in 10 barrios.) Initially, we identified clients through knocking on doors and making announcements at the local churches, schools and other barrio institutions. 

The program is very important as it provides Resource Mothers to girls in need. I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction from the program because I have learned a lot from it.

Right now, we are, and I am, a leader in the Modesta barrio and beyond. My clients are very important to me. They learn from me, and I learn from them.

The clients are excited by the program because I accompany them to the doctor, visit them at their home and am present for any emergency. I also provide resources and ideas to those who cannot enter the program.

The work is beautiful even though I would like to help my clients even more. They’re beautiful women. I care for them and they care for me, too.

At this moment, I have 12 clients — six who have given birth and six who are pregnant. I also have two children of my own.

To find out more about the Resource Mothers program, contact a PFP staff member today.