About Us

Our Why: On January 2,  2018,  Postpartum depression and death by suicide claimed the life of Christina LaShawn Thompson-Adams.

She left behind a one-month old son, a husband, mother, father, sisters, brothers, grandparents, in-laws, cousins and friends. 

​Christina was a sweet and wonderful earth bound Angel, who became an Angel on high.
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Friends of Zayne Adams, FOZA Inc. was created as a non-profit organization to provide support for the children who have lost a parent due to a depression-related illness and to provide awareness, education and resources to communities regarding the dangers of postpartum depression.  

Our Mission:  To provide supportive, resources to families affected by postpartum depression, maternal suicides, and supporting the children who are left behind; we are advocates for maternal mental health wellness.

Our Vision:​ To make a positive impact by increasing awareness of postpartum depression suicides and other maternal mental health challenges in our community.  We want to help prevent suicides. We want moms to know they are supported no matter what. 

FOZA Inc., (Friends of Zayne Adams), is a nonprofit organization focused on connecting resources to the families and the children left behind after the tragedy of suicide due to postpartum depression and the challenges of all mental illnesses.  

Our Board and Advisors

Paulette Smith - President

Chrisalyn Santos - Secretary

Dr. Tisa Silver Candy - Treasurer

Troy Richardson - Director

Gail Flowers - Digital Media Manager

Bianca Caceres - Online Communication Amplifier

Kyleigh Wegener Online Communication Amplifier

Connect with FOZA

Please provide your contact information and select your level of interest.
​A representative of FOZA will reach out to you. 

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Our Values (R.E.S.O.U.R.C.E.S)

To Research and provide the most useful resources to eradicate suicide due to postpartum depression 

To Educate families and the community on signs and symptoms of prenatal depressive symptoms

To Seek out and serve the lower SES (socioeconomic) and at-risk members in our community

To Optimize technical applications that will provide increased interactivity and  communication 

To Utilize existing agencies and organizations that are prepared to provide support 

To Replace outdated, misleading views related to mental illness with true and beneficial facts

To Cultivate a database of specialized, professional support resources

To Elevate the spirit and bring hope for tomorrow

To Sustain a support system for grieving children and families

 

​Accomplishments 2021

 - Operational
​Accepted as a Member of GuideStar - To provide FOZA supporters with access to the world’s largest source of information gathered on nonprofits in advances transparency.  FOZA's acceptance in GuideStar, enables our supporters to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. GuideStar is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

​Accepted as a Member of 211-Maryland Governor's Office of  Community Partnerships

Confirmed and verified as an approved nonprofit to accept donations via AMAZONSMILE

 - Postpartum Depression Awareness
Launched June 2021 - FOZA Silent Auction - This was our first ever fundraiser. FOZA met its donation goal by 70%
​Launched Sept 2021 - FOZA Podcast Series -  Outreach includes 700+ listeners over our first 3 podcasts. Podcasts are monthly
​Launched Sept 2021 - ​FOZA-FINDER -  An interactive online program to connect postpartum moms to possible resources within 1-10 miles of their zip code.

- Maternal Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Training
​Collaboration and Interactive Partnership with:
4R-One Common Bond - Suicide Prevention Training developed by Retired Military Police Captain, Kimberly Franco, with over 25-years of service. In her 22nd year of service, Kimberly lost her brother to suicide which lead her to develop and pursue  full time work in suicide awareness and prevention. 

 - Supporting the Families and Children Who are Left Behind
​​Collaboration and Interactive Ambassador Program with: 2020 Moms, providing maternal mental wellness awareness information, education, and training.

You Are Not Alone....