New Year, New Plan: Centering Economic Security

MCC hears again and again from our families that they face barriers accessing basic needs. Gathering input from families during our strategic planning process confirmed this: the data showed the main entry point for learning about and accessing MCC’s broad range of services was when people first engaged with us to get diapers, wipes, or other basic baby care items. 

We know that integrated care and collaboration between partner organizations and the community need to be stronger. MCC does not address all the social determinants of health impacting maternal and child health needs, nor do we aim to. There are incredible organizations doing complimentary work, and when collaborating effectively with them we can have the greatest impact on families.  

The four Economic Security goals MCC aims to achieve: 
 

1. Ensuring Access to Essential Resources and Services 

2. Strengthen Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Family Support 

3. Bolster Community-Based Perinatal Workforce 

4. Advance Equitable Prenatal and Early Childhood Economic Security Policies 

Ensuring access to essential resources and support includes transportation, food security, education, social support, economic barriers, and childcare. Each of these has been proven to improve overall maternal health outcomes.  

What does Ensuring Access to Essential Resources and Support look like in action? 

MCC recently launched a Family Support Fund to provide direct economic relief to families in Montgomery County. Through this initiative, MCC is already alleviating families’ financial hardships and gaining insight into best practices for administering an emergency fund to sustain the work and expand to surrounding counties.  
 
In the second half of 2024, we hired a Program Coordinator to lead the development of a community-led advisory committee. Community-led initiatives are at the center of how MCC aims to operate its programs. This committee met to determine items like individual or family eligibility, what types of services are available, and how to advertise.  

In October 2024, the Family Support fund began accepting applications. It provides up to $2,100 to pregnant and parenting individuals with a child who is one or under to address key areas of need such as transportation, housing, utility payments, and baby supplies. To further the continuum of care, families receive coaching on a sustainability plan which includes self-identifying tangible resource connections.