Stillborn And Infant Loss Support-SAILS

This nonprofit is truly amazing in the work that they do. They provide a valuable resource to the community that is much needed.

my volunteer experience was very good. I chose to volunteer to get my service hours for high-school graduation. I set up tables and packaged boxes.

This was my first time attending the gala and I was blown away by the amount of people who shared in this passion to support parents and families in need. As a maternal mental health provider, I recognize the stigma and shame that comes with experiencing mental health challenges in the postpartum period and related to topics of infertility and loss, and was amazed to see so many people confidently sharing their stories and journeys in the hopes of empowering others. Sadija and her team are transforming lives and watching it all be celebrated was an honor. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with Sadija and experience the incredible work and impact her organization has on so many!

SAILS is a wonderful organization helping families! I volunteered on the planning committee for the inaugural SAILS gala. The whole experience was very organized, and we exceeded our fundraising goals through the event. It was inspiring to see how many people came out to support the organization. SAILS' founder Sadija's passion for the cause and organization shines through in all she does. She is a great leader and fun to work with. Through community building, education, mentorship, and support groups, SAILS is making a positive impact in the lives of families.

Each time I encounter this agency the team members are always warm, inviting and empathetic. Sadija's transparency with her own loss is so heartfelt, she just like...gets us!

This organization prides itself on listening and responding to the community's needs. They really value every conversation and experience they have with the people.

It was an honor to write press releases for SAILS’s upcoming gala fundraiser. This organization is doing beautiful and varied work to support grieving families and foster connection and hope. Sadija’s commitment to making SAILS welcoming to all who need support is clear, and she’s an extremely pleasant person to work with! I’m grateful I could contribute in some way.

Had the pleasure with working on a creative project for SAILS earlier this year. Collaborating with Sadija and her team was a nice experience and, in turn, I was able to learn more about what the SAILS team does to help out families affected by child loss. They do really good work and I’m glad to have been able to contribute to their journey.

I attended the SAILS Meet & Greet in August and I learned so much. The Team members were all very kind and compassionate, which made for such a supportive environment. Their passion and dedication for the SAILS mission made me want to get involved too.

I formally became acquainted with SAILS when I was invited to speak at their annual summit. However, I had known about the organization through one of my friend/doula client after her experience with loss. Before speaking at the summit in August of this year, I attended a Meet and Greet, and the impact was immediately felt! SAILS provides a resource to families that have or will experience a loss of a child. As a postpartum doula, I felt a connection to SAILS in a way that pressed me to get involved and to lean more deeper into my own calling as a birth worker. I am proud to say that I am one of the newest Board members standing in leadership and advocacy for those who are hurting and those in support.

SAILS is an excellent organization leading the discussion on Stillbirths and infant loss. Leading a discussion just in conversation but in actions. A trauma-informed and affirming organization committed to assisting families in moments of loss and confusion.

I'm honored to be a board member and a long time supporter. As a loss mom, this organization's work in supporting families like mine is amazing!

I have been working with this organization for 5 years and have seen the direct impact that they are making in the lives of those who have lost pregnancies, had stillbirths or lost infants. They work to connect, support and educate through meaningful programs.

It was great volunteering with SAILS through Catchafire. Sadjia is very pleasant and professional, and her enthusiasm for the work shines through. Things are well organised and the project went very smoothly despite some delays.

Volunteering for such an amazing organization was an honor. They are a true blessing to have in the surrounding community. Sadija the founder has a warm spirit who you know genuinely wants to help others when facing the devastating loss of a child.

I recently had the privilege of attending a Stillborn & Infant Support Group (SAILS) event, led by the founder Sadija Smiley. This support group provides an invaluable opportunity for parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a stillborn or infant child to come together, share their stories, and find solace in a community that truly understands their pain.

The mission of SAILS is clear and powerful - to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where parents can openly express their emotions, share their experiences, and find support throughout their healing journey. This group goes above and beyond in fulfilling this mission by offering a range of resources, including guest speakers, workshops, and educational materials, all aimed at helping parents navigate their grief and find the strength to move forward.

What truly sets SAILS apart is their commitment to creating a sense of community and support that allows individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar losses, fostering a bond that is both comforting and empowering. Sadija ensures that each person has the opportunity to share their story and provides a space for validation, understanding, and healing.

Furthermore, SAILS offers ongoing support ensuring that parents have access to resources and assistance whenever they need it. Sadija is always available to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide emotional support, making it clear that her dedication to helping others heal is unwavering.

In addition to their exceptional service, SAILS also actively works to raise awareness about stillbirth and infant loss in the wider community. They organize events and participate in outreach programs to educate others about the unique challenges faced by grieving parents and to advocate for better support systems and resources.

Overall, my experience with SAILS Stillborn & Infant Support Group led by Sadija Smiley was nothing short of exceptional. Their commitment to providing a safe and supportive space for parents to heal, their dedication to raising awareness, and their unwavering compassion make them an invaluable resource for those who have experienced the devastating loss of a stillborn or infant child.

I highly recommend SAILS to anyone in need of support during their grief journey.

I found SAILS through volunteermatch.org and began working with them in January 2022 as a volunteer writer for their newsletter. Having lost a child of my own 15 years ago I know how desperately parents need support and community through loss and grief. I'm so impressed by all the work SAILs does to educate, support, and show love to families who have lost a child. I'm honored to have worked with such a fantastic organization and women who know how brutal life can be but are still willing to spread love and hope despite it.

SAILS is an incredible organization that touches the hearts of all who interact with their team and their message. Experiencing loss is hard, experiencing the loss of a child is even harder. I've seen for myself through my volunteering how impactful SAILS can be. They provide a safe space for parents and family going through loss, listening with compassion, understanding, and an outpouring of love. It's been an honor collaborating with them, and their work will continue to empower parents, family members, and the community.

I had the privilege of working with Sadija and SAILS on the planning and promoting of their annual Survivor's Summit. This program is a wonderful event that provides support and healing for those who have been affected by the loss of a child - not only parents, but grandparents and siblings as well. I look forward to working with them in the future to expand their audience and welcome more families into their community.

I found SAILS online via social media and honestly, I wish that an organization like this had been available and around for families when my first child was stillborn in February 2014. As a mom and as a doula that supports families through pregnancy, postpartum, and bereavement, I understand the necessity behind SAILS and what they stand for. The work that they do, the community that they provide, and the support that they provide to families within the DC metro area, including PG County and Baltimore, is so needed and I applaud Sadija for starting something so huge that creates space for bereaved families.

I am incredibly grateful to have attended the Stillborn And Infant Loss Support Survivor’s Summit supporting families who hold babies who were born sooner than expected and transitioned before their first birthday. This organization does INCREDIBLE work providing cuddle cots for families, allowing them more time with their little ones physical body while Earthside. They were one of the first organizations to hold my Tallulah and place her name in their online memorial. The founder Sadija is such a warm, genuine woman who holds such a powerful space in this community.

I am so grateful for their presence and support for families of babies whose physical bodies we cannot see and move and grow with yet carry and feel inside inside us still and all around us in so many ways. This space has been a fire I return to circle around in year after year with folks around the U.S. who show up to light a candle and say their babies name — to share how they talk about their little ones and teach their siblings about them or hold anniversaries and teach their grandparents that it’s okay to simultaneously love and grieve them together, that it’s okay and actually powerfully healing and connective to make space to learn how to carry them forward together as we go.

Thank you SAILS team for all that you do!

Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS) is a nonprofit with a very compassionate mission. SAILS provides a unique set of services and caring supports for individuals and families who have been impacted by stillbirth, pregnancy loss or the death of an infant before their first birthday.
As a contributing donor, I have come to personally know, admire and respect the founder and CEO of SAILS, Sadiji A. Smiley since 2019. Ms. Smiley pours her organizational talents and heartfelt passion into SAILS in loving memory of her own baby girl who was stillborn at thirty-six weeks. This is a special nonprofit meeting very special needs at a very tender time in the lives of individuals and families who have experienced this kind of devastating loss. SAILS provides a platform for advocacy, serves as an educational resource; and, more importantly, SAILS provides a welcoming community of support for persons to begin the healing process via their grief counseling and support groups. For all of these reasons, I strongly support SAILS being ranked a "Top-Rated" nonprofit again this year!
Carol A. Reed, M.Ed.
Independent PPLSI Associate

I have known Sadija for almost 15 years now. Her passión to serve others have always been within her heart. When I learned that she open her own non profit organization, I was excited but when I learned thstbit was to help mothers, aunt, sister, cousins and anyone who experience a loss . I share with Sadija about the experience of my niece her reaction was immediately supportive, empathic and most of all, her willingness to reach out and support. Great organizarion!

Sadija and I met in 2019. We had lunch, exchanged thoughts, personal stories, and I learned about SAILS. I felt Sadija's passion then and even more when I attended her inaugural Survivors Summit and the love of her supporters was inspiring. As the survivor of the loss of a child by choice due to personal circumstances, I found strength in the compassion of her organization. The education and support Sadija and her SAILS team gives is invaluable. Most importantly there is the lesson of forgiveness of self that speaks volumes to my heart. I pray continued growth and reach to many more women and families through SAILS. In a nonstop world women keep going and doingm We as women sometimes need help dealing with infant loss. I'm excited about the future growth of SAILS!

SAILS is an amazing organization that helps families suffering infant loss!! The resources they provide are timely and so needed by the families they serve. When I see the impact they have on families, it warms my heart. This cannot be an easy thing yet they do it all with a smile.

Opening up about losing my child was not easy for me. After four years, I finally felt ready to honor my daughter by connecting with people in similar situations. After all, I'd had that support from friends who'd (unfortunately) endured the same tragedy. This was a way that I could keep my daughter's legacy alive, even if she wasn't. Upon opening up in the vast world of social media with other loss parents, SAILS literally carried me. Sadjia reached out and made me aware of a Loss Dads Open Hour that they were hosting and I couldn't have felt more seen or heard. That inspired me to take my own, small, organization, Sad Dads Club, and partner with SAILS to host a monthly Loss Dads Open Hour. All this to say, SAILS is inspiring, helpful, comforting, and a bright light in a confusing world soaked with sadness. Sadija and the other board members have been exceptionally welcoming and helpful in offering anything they could to facilitate this much needed resource. I have such immense love and respect for SAILS. Truly a shining star.

Through my volunteer work with SAILS, I have seen the outstanding work Sadija and her team are doing to provide support and resources to families who have suffered the loss of a baby. When something terrible happens we often ask "What good can come of this?". SAILS is an answer to that question.

I have worked with Stillborn and Infant Loss Support for three years and I am astounded by how much they truly care about the loss community. I have not experienced the loss of a child, but with SAILS I am able to serve and offer comfort to those who have. As someone who works in the background, I can honestly tell you how much the founder, Sadija A. Smiley, deeply cares for this community. Every detail is shrouded by her love and care for those who have suffered the loss of a child.

Thank you to this amazing nonprofit. Sadija, personally has helped me in so many ways. There isn’t a lot of support groups in my area for people who have lost a baby. SAILS is a very informative and helpful nonprofit. Thank you to your board. ������������������

I met Sadija shortly after joining the loss community. Her heart and willingness to help raise awareness is exceptional. She has a passion and desire like no other! She and her foundation truly are inspiring! I am blessed to partner with them and am so grateful for the work they tirelessly do!

I joined the Board of Directors for SAILS in June 2014. As a grieving mother, educator, and grief worker, I am so proud to be aligned with this wonderfully led and compassion-centered organization. From Executive Director Sadija A. Smiley to the rest of the Board of Directors to the volunteers, there is a great deal of enthusiasm and empathy in all aspects of this non-profit.
I participated in the August Survivor's Summit and enjoyed learning from a thoughtful line-up of presenters. And I am excited to be working with Sadija and the Board to plan a schedule of virtual events for 2022 that will deepen our education and advocacy offerings.

I worked with Sadija A. Smiley, founder and CEO of SAILS, on a press release project in October 2021. She was professional, responsive, and open to my ideas and suggestions. I recommend others collaborate with her and her organization.

Ms. Smiley has dedicated her professional life serving families. However her passion lies in supporting families who share her experience with infant loss. I have seen her blossom and bloom as she continues to share love and light on a very difficult and uncharted journey.

I connected with Sadijah Smiley the founder of S.A.I.L.S and got to know more about her organization and her experience with birthing a "sleeping baby" her first princess Ivyanna. Through her sharing I have been inspired to share my journey with miscarriage and help others heal through their journey as well.

As the CEO and visionary of SAILS, it has been my pleasure to lead the organization as we raisw awareness and honor my beloved daughter Ivyanna Salene stillborn 11-13-03. It is truly a privilege to champion this work and meet so many brave families grieving the loss of their precious babies. I am grateful for the support of our Board, volunteers, donors, advocates and our community. This is truly a team effort, as we walk alongside families on their journey to healing.

I'm a grandmother to one of the angels in heaven. This non-profit organization has been side by side with me during the healing process.

I’ve volunteered and been to many events, it’s truly amazing! This organization sheds light on a topic not many people know about.

Sails is an awesome organization that really treats you like family. Whatever you need, if they have it, they’ll give it to you. There’s not a lot of awareness about this topic in our community, however Sadija does a great job of starting the conversation.

I participated in the grief recovery support and it was so good! Sadija is such an amazing person to meet and share with. As a grieving parent I am very thankful to have found SAILS and to be part if its community.

I love everything about this organization. As a father who experienced Infant Loss I never realize how much impact this had on my mental health. The stories, the community and the sense of belonging helped me find a family within Sails and for that I will forever be grateful!

SAILS is just the type of organization I was looking for when I lost my daughter. It can be so hard to find any support during grief, but SAILs is great at providing a ton of specific resources. Highly recommend it.

The work Sadija and her team are doing at SAILS is amazing. It's incredibly generous, heartfelt and necessary to provide families with support during what is likely the hardest time they will ever endure in their lifetime. I was and am lucky enough to have done some volunteer work for this incredible nonprofit. In addition, SAILS holds a place close to my heart since I lost a child (miscarriage) and know firsthand the grief and loneliness that accompany this horrific life-altering and painful experience. I want to thank Sadija and SAILS for doing all that they do and hope more support comes their way so they can continue doing this very important work.

I've had the great pleasure of being a Newsletter Contributor for SAILS. The SAILS team works effortlessly to spread awareness, knowledge and support for stillborn and infant loss.