Expectant and New Parent Services

 

The YMCA’s Expectant and New Parent Services work with the West Side Future YMCA to reduce the infant mortality rate of children born to low-income families on the west side of Chicago. The program addresses health concerns for pregnant women, new mothers and pregnant teenagers. In addition to physical health, the program aims to improve participants’ emotional well-being and economic stability. Twenty employees and numerous volunteers work to improve health outcomes for infants and children of more than 1,200 families. 

 

The infant mortality rate among participants in the Expectant and New Parent programs is only 2 percent, compared with 7.9 percent for the city of Chicago and 14.7 percent among African Americans in Chicago.

 

We help moms-to-be, new moms and pregnant teens gain access to:

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• health care
• food
• clothing
• transportation assistance
• family case management

 

Case management services help pregnant women gain access to prenatal care, proper nutrition, adequate housing, counseling and other services needed to deliver a healthy baby. The Healthy Start program targets women who are at risk of experiencing poor birth outcomes. These women include those who have pre-existing health conditions or a mental illness, are homeless or those with substance abuse problems. 

 

These services are also extended to young teens coping with pregnancy. Teen mothers are assisted with child care support services to encourage them to complete high school. Additionally, we can connect our client with child care or job placement assistance through our partner YMCA providers.

 

For more information, please call the West Side Future YMCA at 312.432.4080

 

Expectant and New Parent Services are supported by community partners such as ABLA Local Advisory Council, Catholic Charities, Chicago Department of Public Health, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, Planned Parenthood, UIC Mile Square Community Health Center and Womens’ Treatment Center.

 

These services are funded by Bank of America Foundation, Illinois Department of Human Services and United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.

 

 

 

 

Click Here for the West Side Future Fact Sheet