CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A private philanthropic organization is conducting research on the impact of direct cash payments to lower income mothers who are expecting,
Secretary of the West Virginia Women’s Commission Jill Upson talked about the project:
The Bridge Project operates on the idea that “The earliest days of a child’s life are a crucial period of emotional and mental development” and that support during the
he first 1,000 days of life has the potential to allow an entire generation to separate from the toxic stresses of poverty, break intergenerational cycles, and provide the environment to allow children to grow into healthy adults- physically, financially, and mentally.
Jill Upson, Secretary of the West Virginia Women’s Commission and HHOMA
Applications began this month. for the project, which is funded by The Monarch Foundation.
They are seeking expectant Appalachian mothers (14 weeks pregnant or less) to receive a monthly cash allowance totaling $20,000 to each participant. Eligible applicants will:
–Live in the ARC-designated Appalachian counties within the states of Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia — includes all of West Virginia, 54 central and eastern Kentucky counties, and 32 eastern Ohio counties
–Be 18 years or older
–Have an annual household income of less than $44,000
–Be 14 weeks pregnant or less, but must be pregnant
Selected participants receive:
–$1,125 one-time, upfront prenatal stipend
–$750 per month for the first 15 months of program participation
–$375 per month for the remaining 21 months of program participation
Flexible spending of funds received will allow eligible moms to cover basic needs and expenses.
More information here.
