Maria Berglund
Founder & Executive Director
Hello, my name is Maria, and I am a proud mama of three busy boys. We live near Portland, Oregon.
I am originally from Canada, and had my first son there. My second and third sons were born in the United States.
My postpartum experiences were very lacking here in the US in terms of support. I was made to feel like once the baby came, my care didn’t matter anymore. This left me feeling very frustrated. I feel it’s not right for moms to feel so alone or invisible in postpartum. Therefore, I decided to do something about it. I started In Kind to be a source of love and support for moms on their postpartum journey. I want moms to know that they matter, and that they’re not alone.
In Kind’s mission is so important to me because I grew up in a home where we had very few means. My mom was a single mother, who did what she could with the little we had to raise my younger sister and me. She would stress and worry about not having money for diapers, formula and other essential items. She relied on local charities and food banks for assistance. We are very grateful to the kindness of strangers who believed in the importance of giving back. In a way, I am trying to pay forward the help my mom, sister and I received. Perhaps it will inspire others to do the same.
Being a mom now myself, I am so thankful that I don’t have to worry about those things. I can’t imagine the toll it took on my mom.
There are so many things running through our heads when preparing for babies to come. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially as a first time parent, not knowing what we will actually use. In Kind is here to help! Our hope is to alleviate some of that stress by taking on the work of researching and purchasing quality essential items for you, and including them in our boxes.
Thank you for getting behind our mission to spread kindness and love to moms. We are stronger together!!
I am so excited for what’s to come!
Liz Neihart
Board Member
Hi! I’m Liz and I have 3 amazing kiddos. They bring me so much joy. I have always wanted to help others and have been a part of other nonprofits before. I believe that if we all help each other this world can be such a great place. I am so happy to be a part of this organization and fully believe in what it stands for, kindness.
Cheryl Hinchliff
Board Member
Hi, my name is Cheryl and I have two lovely daughters that are growing up way too fast. I remember their baby years so fondly now with the same sort of selective amnesia that comes after giving birth. If we didn’t have that who would go through it again?! That time is insanely stressful and euphoric at once. Never have I heard it described as easy. But hopefully the worries are so out weighed by the love and devotion to our new little people that we wouldn’t dream of anything different.
If you are in a circumstance where you feel overwhelmed by the worries, I want to help change that for you. Each box is packed with more than things, it is packed with prayers for a better tomorrow.
If you are on cloud nine because you found out you are expecting, I want to be able to celebrate that with you. These boxes are packed with wishes for more joy than you can imagine.
Giving and receiving these boxes is a chance to love and be loved. I hope you all participate.