A story of legacy, compassion, and a commitment to transforming lives.
It begins with Dr. Steven Rice, whose dedication to mental health and diverse needs laid the foundation for the work we do today.
Our journey began when Dr. Steven Rice established the Rice Family Fund.
Dr. Steven Rice was a board certified geriatric and adolescent psychiatrist in Memphis, Tennessee. Having had a son born with severe mental disabilities, he had a special place in his heart for all people with diverse needs. During his 40 years of practicing medicine, he strived to remove the stigma around mental illness, and let everyone know that help is available if you are struggling.
Before his passing in June of 2019, Dr. Rice established the Rice Family Fund, a donor-advised fund that would provide financial support for charitable and educational endeavours. Anne Kathryn Rice, Dr. Rice’s daughter and founder of the Global Doula Project, along with her brother, Michael Rice, are responsible for the grants made from the Rice Family Fund.
Thanks to Dr. Rice’s generous contributions, the Rice Family Fund covers all overhead costs for the Global Doula Project.
Anne Kathryn Rice, Dr. Rice’s daughter, founded Global Doula Project to carry on her father’s legacy of kindness and support.
2019 — During Dr. Rice's last days, Anne Kathryn feels the need for compassionate support for her family and her father.
2011 — Dr. Steven Rice established the Rice Family Fund.
2022 — Anne Kathryn registers the Global Doula Project and works with fiscal sponsor Angels for Angels.
2019 — Dr. Rice let his family know his end of life wishes, a gesture that would go on to inspire Global Doula Project's mission.
2013 — Founder Anne Kathryn realizes the shortcomings in perinatal care after experiencing it firsthand.
2023 — Global Doula Project provided doula support for several families in Memphis, Tennessee, via Naturally Nurtured Birth Charitable Services.
— Our Journey in Photos
2013 — Dr. Steve Rice holding his grandson, named for him.
“When I became a parent, I knew that something was missing in my birth and journey into postpartum. I wasn’t okay, and I didn’t know why. When the fog began to lift I started to study the brain science around birth and how important social support is for perinatal mental and physical health. I learned what was missing in my birth and postpartum: a doula to support me, believe in me, and simply be there. I decided that the world needed more doulas, and that I would become one. I completed my doula certification in 2017 and was ready to change the birthing world for the better.
It didn’t take me long to realize that the doula profession is not very well-known, and it is often misunderstood. Often viewed as a luxury or only for “hippy” clients, the deep value of doula support for society as a whole is a new concept.
When I read about cultures and communities that honor the birthing person and treat postpartum as a sacred time for healing and bonding, I feel a deep yearning for every family to experience this kind of support. When I read about postpartum depression and anxiety, and families suffering from the immense pressure of childrearing without support, I am moved to do something to help, but I can’t do it alone.
Anne Kathryn Rice founded the Global Doula Project so that everyone can access compassionate care around birth and death.
In her words —
When my father took his last breaths surrounded by family and friends, I noticed many of the same feelings that I experience at births. I felt awe, wonder, and profound love. It was a sacred moment. I also felt scared. I wondered if I was going to be okay. I wondered if he was okay. I would have benefitted greatly from the compassionate support of an end of life doula, but I didn’t think to search for one. I didn't even know they existed in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee (now I know they do).
I founded Global Doula Project so that everyone can access compassionate care around birth and death. Anyone can make a donation, and the funds will go to approved Doula Organizations around the world so that they can provide free or discounted services to families. Support around the sacred moments of birth and death should not be considered a luxury, because it’s not! Every family deserves a doula.
Our doula grant pilot program is made possible by the Rice Family Fund, which was created by my father before he passed away in 2019. I have a feeling he is watching over us from above, happy to know that little by little, step by step, we are working for a world where support at the beginning and end of life is the norm, not the exception.”
— Anne Kathryn Rice
Founder + Director, certified birth & postpartum doula
Based in: Genoa, Italy
