Throughout February WNED|WBFO is recognizing everyday citizens of Western New York who are doing amazing things in their communities. Our “Making a Difference” project emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and encourages others to lend a helping hand. Here is the story of a community champion who is making a difference.
“You want to say something good about Miss Diann? She makes you happy, uh-huh. You love her, uh-huh,” said a young mom chuckling as she spoke to her baby about Diann Holt.
Holt started the Durham's Central City Baby Café on East Eagle Street in Buffalo to teach young moms in her community about breastfeeding.
“Whenever they did research, they found out that African-American mothers basically scored the lowest with duration and initiation of breastfeeding,” said Holt.
Holt’s goal is to change those numbers for the better. A nurse, social worker and reverend, Holt has transformed the Baby Café into a welcome space for families to enjoy a meal, socialize and gain valuable parenting skills.
“We do better when we know better, so if we give them research-based information, a light bulb goes off in their head, and this is something that they desire to do for their babies,” said Holt.
With the help of experts, like Lactation Counselor Doris Gayles, the Baby Café is there for moms in need of some guidance caring for their children.
“It’s that, that sound you hear…when they’re swallowing, and if you hear that sound, you know your baby is latched on properly and is swallowing properly,” said Gayles as she imitated the noise a baby makes while breastfeeding.
Kalombo Komoriko found the Baby Café when she was pregnant with her son, Kayden.
“I was feeling a little lost, a little confused, trying to understand exactly what it is to have a baby and raise a baby,” said Komoriko. “I was in a good place physically, but emotionally and mentally, I was trying to put it all together.”
Dhaneyea Hoosier is a young mom who also frequents the café.
“It’s a different experience to walk in and it’s just like, to have someone so welcoming and loving and caring and just understanding to what you’re going through and just willing to be there,” said Hoosier. “It’s a big difference. It, it means a lot.”
Holt said the café’s atmosphere is by design, noting it’s all about family.
“If you look at any culture, Grandma’s house is the safe house,” said Holt. “And we try to give them that type of atmosphere, because a lot of our moms come from situations where they don’t have that.”
While families who visit the café say Holt’s efforts are making a difference in their lives, Holt said she is just following her calling.
“It’s about caring. It’s about loving. And it’s about supporting people who are doing things,” said Holt. “So whatever the good lord drops into your heart to do, find a way to do it.”
Listen to WBFO throughout February for more stories of people who are Making a Difference in Western New York.
You can find out more online at wned.org/makingadifference.
