LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Mother-Wise program has received a grant from the foundation Jenny's Light.

Jenny Bankston had a good job, an advanced degree and a loving husband. She was normal by all accounts, and greeted pregnancy with her first child with the usual excitement and enthusiasm.

Bankston had a difficult pregnancy and was sick most of the time. After giving birth her life turned upside down as a result of a complicated birth followed by difficulties nursing Graham.

Ultimately, Jenny Bankston and her 7-week-old son, Graham, became tragic victims of postpartum depression when she ended both of their lives.

Although her actions were extreme, they remind us of the desperation postpartum depression can inflict. She suffered in silence until her experience became too much to bare. Treatment could have saved the lives of Bankston and her child if those around her were more alert to the symptoms.

Jenny’s Light was created by the family of Jenny and Graham Bankston to be a source of information, hope and inspiration.

It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of perinatal mood disorders in order to improve and save lives.

One of the ways the group accomplishes its mission is through grants for community organizations with similar goals.

To this end, Jenny’s Light has awarded Mother-Wise a grant for the specific purpose of supporting training seminars for companion volunteers and health professionals.

There are several factors that put women at higher risk for one or more of the afflictions of perinatal mood disorders. Two of which, isolation and financial hardship are often endemic to rural locations like Lake County, and many moms in our community fit into one or both of these categories.

Through their generous support of Mother-Wise, Jenny’s Light aims to ensure that these moms receive the information and support they need to prevent unnecessary suffering by moms and their families.

Mother-Wise is a postpartum depression prevention program serving mothers from all backgrounds in Lake County.

The volunteer-based initiative has been growing quickly since its inception in March 2010, and continually seeks volunteers for their companion program, as well as referrals for moms in need of support.

The next training for volunteer companions will be held Feb. 3-5 in Clearlake.

For more information on the training, or to find out how Mother-Wise provides support, please call Jaclyn Ley, Mother-Wise Program coordinator, at 707-349-1210.