Chair Oriadha Hosts Press Conference Launching ‘Mothers First’ Program
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
On Monday, December 8, Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) host[ed] a press conference to launch her new signature Black maternal health initiative: Mothers First.
Mothers First: A Community Care Initiative will ensure that new mothers across Prince George’s County receive the care, connection, and support they deserve immediately following the birth of their child and throughout early childhood. Built on the belief that thriving mothers are the bedrock of thriving communities, this initiative provides hands-on support, culturally grounded community spaces, and sustained emotional and wellness resources for mothers at every stage of early parenthood.
Powered by community partnerships, Mothers First relies on the hard work and dedication of organizations deeply rooted in serving families: Nu Momish and Community on the Frontline.
This transformative initiative will provide in-home and virtual support to more than 1,000 District 7 mothers, including hands-on help with meals, laundry, light cleaning, and daily household tasks, giving mothers the time and space to rest, recover, and connect with their babies, as well as continued virtual support on topics requested by mothers. It will also orchestrate monthly ‘Mommy Meetups’, where moms from across the county can gather for fellowship, wellness activities, maternal health education, and a supportive village rooted in shared experience. Additionally, Mothers First will distribute curated care packages with essentials and comfort items to support physical recovery, mental health, and emotional care.
“For too long, mothers—especially Black mothers—have carried the weight of postpartum recovery and early parenting without the support they need,” said Chair Oriadha. “Mothers First fills that gap by offering culturally responsive connection, concrete assistance, and long-term care. I am committed to maternal health equity, and I believe that supporting mothers is one of the strongest investments we can make in our county’s future.”
TOP OF PAGE
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Sponsors Annual Food Giveaway
By ASHLEY STRAWBRIDGE
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Tau Delta Zeta Chapter
Laurel, Md. (Dec. 5, 2025)—With looming uncertainty of the job market, the economy, and the increasing cost of groceries, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Tau Delta Zeta Chapter, its youth groups, community partners, and sponsors provided nourishment to almost 200 Laurel area families on Saturday, November 22, 2025. In partnership with the City of Laurel, the Distinguished Pearls Foundation, and the O-Six Ryderz Motorcycle Club of Baltimore, donations were collected to provide families with items for a full Thanksgiving meal.
Serving as this year’s pickup site, volunteers gathered early Saturday morning at the Craig A. Moe Multiservice Center to sort donations, including Thanksgiving dinner staples and dessert items. Before noon, cars lined the parking lot while others walked up for the drive-thru style distribution to collect their items. Laurel Police Department, along with the O-Six Ryderz, secured the area, serving as traffic control. This year’s sponsors included Beiler’s Meats, Costco Wholesale, Han’s Greens, Wegman’s, Whole Foods Market, Stoltzfuz Poultry, LLC, Sammies Produce, Miller Farms, Stars Studio, The Riehl Cheese Shoppe, Crossland High School, and Trinidad Baptist Church.
The annual event is a local initiative that supports the sorority’s national program: Z-HOPE, which stands for Zetas Helping Other People Excel. This event also supports the sorority’s international programmatic thrust, The Extraordinary Power of Social Justice, Health Justice, and Economic Justice (S.H.E.) Z-HOPE and The Power of S.H.E. are initiatives of the international organization that serve as catalysts to address disparities within communities through service and advocacy.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, in Washington, DC, on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission of progressive organizations —to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day. Zeta Phi Beta has over 700 chapters in the United States, Germany, Japan and the Caribbean. For additional information visit www.zphib1920.org
Chartered on April 10, 2003, Tau Delta Zeta Chapter is headquartered in Laurel, Maryland. With the motto to “Expand and Serve” Tau Delta Zeta has made contributions to local organizations including the March of Dimes, Laurel Advocacy Resource Services and the Prince’s George County Department of Social Services. For additional information visit www.zphibtdz.org
TOP OF PAGE
