In this final episode of our first season, we get into the weeds of the power of community. Host Maryam has two juicy conversations, first with Laura, JustChoice's social worker and Chief Program Officer, and then with J. and Kim, hosted youth and their host family. In both conversations, the importance of community, alternatives to traditional foster care, and openness is highlighted. Hear for yourself how you can "Step Into Solidarity" by stepping into hosting in your home.

In this episode of "Stepping into Solidarity," Maryam hosts Maya and Colleen from Ohio's Women's Alliance (OWA). Maya, the Director of Membership, discusses her journey from direct service to creating the Member Assistance Program (MAP), which provides practical support for abortion seekers, including transportation, lodging, and childcare. Colleen, who manages MAP, shares her background in abortion care and union organizing. They emphasize the importance of radical partnerships, mutual aid, and solidarity, advocating for decentering oneself in collaborations and supporting grassroots organizations. They also highlight the need for cis men to educate themselves and actively listen to marginalized voices.

This episode steps into radical and real conversations about abortion. Stigma be damned, hosts Maryam kicks it with Lexi, a reproductive justice organizer and executive director of the Abortion Fund of Ohio. Together, they discuss the challenges and trends in abortion access post-Dobbs decision. Lexi breaks down how Ohio's only statewide abortion fund, saw a 272% increase in patients in 2023, supporting nearly 4,500 people.

Despite this, funding has not kept pace, leading to reduced financial assistance. Lexi names crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) as a key culprit in the ongoing fight for reproductive justice for their deceptive practices. She also shared her personal journey to becoming an abortion advocate, emphasizing the importance of normalizing abortion and addressing stigma. Also, Maryam and Lexi kick it about their shared love for Meg Thee Stallion.

If you like this episode, you need to make sure you are donating to abortion funds like Abortion Fund of Ohio