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VIEW 2025 EVENT PHOTOS BELOW
Our 2026 Theme,
"What We've Seen" -
A Maternal Health Conference Like No Other
We've seen miracles. We've seen mothers sleeping in parking lots give birth to healthy babies in the safety of our homes. We've seen women who were told they'd lose custody walk across the stage as graduates with their children by their side. We've seen the power of stable housing combined with comprehensive maternal health care change everything.
As Northern Virginia's only 24-month housing program for pregnant women and mothers experiencing homelessness, Virginia Women and Family Support Center has a unique vantage point. Join us for "What We've Seen" and hear directly from those on the frontlines: the doulas coaching women through labor, the therapists helping mothers process trauma, the OB-GYNs monitoring high-risk pregnancies, the doctors celebrating healthy births against all odds, and our team witnessing transformation every single day.
This conference brings you real stories, real data, and real insights from the ground. You'll learn what we're hearing from mothers who've walked through our doors, what challenges our medical professionals navigate daily, and why the intersection of housing stability and maternal health care is literally saving lives. Come see what we've seen, and understand why this work matters more than ever.
Frances Robin
Executive Director, Virginia Women and Family Support Center
2025 MATERNAL HEALTH WORKSHOP GUEST SPEAKERS
2026 SPEAKERS COMING SOON
Share Your Expertise at "What We've Seen"
Are you a doula, therapist, OB-GYN, doctor, social worker, case manager, or maternal health professional (or other!) with insights to share? We're seeking speakers who can contribute to the conversation about maternal health, housing stability, and supporting pregnant women and mothers experiencing homelessness.
Whether you've worked directly with our population, conducted research on maternal health outcomes, or have clinical expertise in serving vulnerable mothers, we want to hear from you. Share what you've seen in your practice and help us build a conference that reflects the real experiences of professionals on the frontlines.
KEY SESSIONS
MARCH 21, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Housing-Maternal Health Connection
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The impact of housing stability on maternal stress, pregnancy & infant health outcomes
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How evictions, overcrowding, and unsafe housing affect pregnancy
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How homelessness and housing insecurity increase maternal and infant mortality
Research highlights: The links between housing access and preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Affordable housing and birth outcomes
Policy, Medicaid & Healthcare Systems
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Medicaid coverage expansion for pregnant women and housing supports
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Federal & state policies that impact maternal housing and healthcare access
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Local solutions & funding opportunities for housing-insecure pregnant women
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Medicaid & maternal health: Coverage gaps, expansion efforts & opportunities
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The intersection of housing assistance programs & maternal care
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Funding opportunities: Grants, public assistance, and nonprofit programs
Trauma, Mental Health & Housing Insecurity
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The psychological effects of housing instability on pregnant women
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Screening & interventions for mental and maternal health risks in housing-insecure mothers
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How housing insecurity affects perinatal mental health & postpartum depression
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The role of trauma-informed care in supporting homeless pregnant women
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Solutions: Supportive housing models, counseling services & community partnerships
Pregnancy, Nutrition, and Postpartum
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Programs & partnerships
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Exercise during pregnancy
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Postpartum Physical
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Newborn care
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Bathing, Feeding, Schedules and Routines
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Best practices from nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors
Pregnancy Grief and Loss
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First Time Pregnancy and Mental Health
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Managing Physical Recovery
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Grief and Loss
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Recognizing and addressing Postpartum depression and anxiety
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Best practices Creating Plans to address Mental health, Postpartum, Grief and Loss
Mental and Emotional Well-being
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Managing Stress and Anxiety
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Techniques for relaxation and mindfulness
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Recognizing and addressing prenatal depression
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Building a Support Network
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Importance of social support
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Connecting with local resources
WHEN
MARCH 21, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
WHERE
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
PRINCE WILLIAM CAMPUS
10900 University Boulevard
Manassas, VA 20110
CONTACT
571-261-2838
ADDRESS
14019A Glenkirk Rd.
Gainesville, VA 20155
ABOUT VAWFSC
Virginia Women and Family Support Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to housing and supporting women and families experiencing homelessness.
