Hi friends! GALS is hosting a virtual 5K run (or pick any activity) from Dec 10-13th. Our family, will be hosting a Family Dance Party via Zoom! Come dance with the McCharen family on Saturday, Dec 12th, from 7-8pm, costume or crazy clothes highly suggested. Any donation will get you into our Zoom dance party, complete with a goodie pack from us to make the party more fun. I know you need fun activities for your kids, so come join us and shake your groove thing! It's gonna be a blast!

I have been connected to GALS since 2008 and it has been a very formative part of my journey as a social worker, doula, and leader. I am currently Board President for the past 3 years and truly believe in the mission of GALS which is to, "partner with volunteers and organizations to provide emotional, physical, and educational support to those who are under-supported through the birth experience improving birth outcomes and strengthening families." We are committed to NO ONE birthing alone in the Austin community. We are on the front lines of supporting mamas in need during the perinatal period. Help us support families more by donating!

1. I am looking for 10 people to give at least $50. If we hit $500, our family will donate a matching $500 gift OR
2. Join my team to dance with" us virtually and come along for some McCharen fun (tbd) and raise money with us! and I'll do all the work for you and your family OR
3. Create your own fundraising page, plan and event. You can do anything, some people are doing dance parties, some are doing runs, etc. We make it super easy for you to do this option and have an event manual that is straightforward and clear! It’ll help you get active, have fun, and raise some funds for GALS. You can race our family in a timed one mile if you want! ;) Register here: https://givingaustinlaborsupport.z2systems.com/np/clients/givingaustinlaborsupport/event.jsp?event=1

Let me know how you plan to join in support so I can thank you. Thank you so much for your time and care for me, my family and our community.

Love, Nicole McCharen on behalf of the McCharens

GALS is all about options, support, & respect.

Founded in 2008, Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS) is dedicated to improving birth outcomes and empowering undersupported families. We provide education and support to birthing people and health care workers from pregnancy through postpartum. We've supported over 500 families through the On Call Birth Support Program, Prenatal Doula Program, and Jail Support Progam.

• GALS works to improve outcomes by reducing unneccessay interventions. The cesarean rate with a GALS present: 15.3 % of births since 2012. Nationally this number hovers much higher than health oganizations advise with cesareans occuring in around 33% of births.
• Satisfaction is important becuase a less traumatic birth means a lower likelihood of postpartum mental health disorders. 100 percent of GALS birthing families say the birth was better because of the GALS volunteer.
• Building community means supporting health care workers so they can focus on the health and welbeing of the patient. 100 percent of medical staff say they would recommend GALS to another patient.

Birth workers & Volunteers make our mission come to life. Coming from a grassroots organization, GALS has grown as a nonprofit to serve the greater birth community. By providing training and resources to new and experienced birth workers and advocates, GALS provides opportunities for doulas to learn and grow in community with each other and the families we serve.

Be a part of something bigger, donate today!