Black and Brown women are twice as likely to experience serious mental illness during pregnancy and postpartum, yet half as likely to receive treatment. Our evidence-based program offers weekly sessions that empower mothers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support their wellbeing, navigate mental health challenges, and build healthy finances. We will serve 10-15 new and expectant Black and Brown mothers living at or below poverty level in New Haven, Connecticut from Jan to May 2025.
Despite being at higher risk for serious mental illness, Black and Brown women living in poverty experience substantially higher barriers when it comes to accessing support and information around mental health and finances. Yet, we know that when given the right tools, these women are incredibly resourceful and more likely than any other demographic to invest in their own and their child's wellbeing.
This project provides 10-15 financially insecure Black and Brown new and expectant mothers with 12 weekly sessions focused on mental and financial wellbeing. They will learn to identify mental health warning signs, develop self-care practices, and gain professional guidance on rebuilding credit, managing debt, and starting a retirement fund. The program equips them with knowledge, practical skills, and a supportive network to achieve their financial and mental health goals.
Our program gives new and expecting Black and Brown mothers access to the information, resources, and skills needed to build a mentally and financially healthy life for themselves and their child. Participants can also train to become facilitators for future programs, gaining professional skills and an income source. By equipping mothers with the right tools and knowledge, we aim to help them transform not just their own lives but also their communities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
