S.W.A.N.S. Event Gives a Healthy Start to St. Petersburg Women

Since 1997, and have teamed up with the St. Petersburg Healthy Start Federal Project (HSF) to provide support for men, women and children. The group strives to reduce infant mortality and low birth weight through education, classes and community events.

On Saturday morning at All Children's Hospital, the Third Annual S.W.A.N.S. (Sisters Working to Achieve Inner Self-Awareness) event was underway.

Shavon Gibson, Community Health Educator for HSF, said that the S.W.A.N.S. event is a good way to reach women in the community that have questions or concerns about life, love and parenthood.

"It is an encouraging seminar that will leave the women feeling empowered mentally, physically and spiritually," said Gibson.

The daylong conference included a self love presentation, a wellness expo and a "Real Men, Real Talk" session. Participants were able to ask a panel of men, ranging in age from young adult to father figure, questions that they would never feel comfortable asking on a regular basis.

Answers were given freely, without judgment so that the women attending the seminar could paint a picture of truth and integrity.

Sierra Tucker, single mother of two, said that she had questions that needed answering. She said that her previous relationship woes played a role in her decision to attend the conference. Tucker enjoyed the "Real Men, Real Talk" session because of the wide range in ages on the panel.

"We can ask questions that we would never be able to ask our own spouses or friends," said Tucker.

According to Kimberly Brown-Williams, Community Service Team Supervisor for HSF, the whole idea of the seminar is for women to learn how to "better themselves." It also educates the participants so that they can make informed choices when it comes to work, parenthood and love.

The HSF organization hosts a number of events throughout the year. A Father's Day celebration will be held on June 9th at the Child's Park Recreation Center. Activities include bounce houses, face painting and a partnership with Checkers will provide lunch. The event is free and open to the public.