Sanctuary Cares Provides Essential Postpartum Support to Families in Need

Nonprofit organization bridges gap in affordable in-home postpartum doula care for low- and middle-income families

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sanctuary Cares, a nonprofit sister organization to Sanctuary Doulas & Family Care, is working to ensure that compassionate, in-home postpartum care is accessible to families who need it most. Founded in 2024, the organization serves families across 11 counties in Colorado, with a strong presence in Boulder County, providing subsidized postpartum doula care to support new parents during this critical transition.

Why it matters

Postpartum doula care is often seen as a luxury, but Sanctuary Cares believes it is essential health care. Many families, especially those with limited financial resources or community support, can feel isolated and overwhelmed during the postpartum period. By providing subsidized in-home support, Sanctuary Cares aims to empower growing families to thrive and improve maternal and family health outcomes.

The details

Sanctuary Cares serves families with a median household income of just $28,000, providing fully subsidized care or a sliding scale contribution. The organization is committed to fair and sustainable compensation for providers, paying doulas the same rate regardless of whether care is privately funded or subsidized. Sanctuary Cares also seeks to increase access to training for doulas of color and Spanish-speaking providers to better reflect the communities served.

  • Sanctuary Cares was founded in 2024.
  • In 2025, the organization supported 35 families.

The players

Sanctuary Cares

A nonprofit sister organization to Sanctuary Doulas & Family Care, working to provide affordable in-home postpartum doula care to low- and middle-income families.

Ali Batwin

Co-founder of Sanctuary Cares.

Kristen Gelinas

Supports the fundraising strategy for Sanctuary Cares.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Postpartum doula care is often seen as a luxury, but we believe it's essential health care. Families deserve support during this time, regardless of their income.”

— Ali Batwin, Co-founder of Sanctuary Cares

“We know the need is there. Our focus right now is building the internal capacity and sustainable funding needed to meet that demand responsibly.”

— Kristen Gelinas, Supports the fundraising strategy for Sanctuary Cares

What’s next

Sanctuary Cares plans to expand its free, weekly infant-feeding support groups, called Milk Café, into additional Boulder County communities and potentially mountain areas, including Nederland, in 2026.

The takeaway

Sanctuary Cares is working to ensure that all families, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the essential postpartum support they need. By providing subsidized in-home doula care and building a strong community network, the organization is helping to bridge disparities and improve maternal and family health outcomes.