The mission of Casa Materna is to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. In this global "silent epidemic," a maternal death occurs every minute of the day.  Casa Materna provides a short-term residence in the city of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, where a maternal death occurs every 38 hours.  The organization offers food, shelter, education, transportation, and support for high-risk pregnant women both before and after childbirth.  They have set up branches in twelve rural communities, where health educators meet twice a year with the women in each community providing educational sessions, leadership training, and formation of support groups. Another program works with over 400 rural midwives, providing workshops and continuing education on a variety of health related topics.