We are proud to begin distributing over $240,000 in community-led investment to groups that are supporting Black moms and babies in St. Louis. This funding is part of FLOURISH’s Community Mobilization and Innovation (CMI) grant program, which is reserved for community groups and neighborhood organizations who are working to improve the lives of Black moms, babies, and families. The eleven CMI-funded projects awarded in the seventh cohort of this grant include:
- Behind it all Foundation: A Byepolar Wellness Series will be offered to create a safe space for moms to learn how to use positivity and holistic wellness to take care of their mind, body, and spirits.
- Buchanan Foundation Inc: The Golden Sneakers project will provide assistance, education, and resources to mothers and families in the community facing high risks of mortality and disadvantaged circumstances in the Baden neighborhood.
- Circle of Care St. Louis: A Grand Momma’s For Health Babies: Safe Sleep project will be supported.
- For Parent, For Baby, For Life: Through a “For Black Families, For Life” program, the group will utilize their lived experiences to support Black families.
- Homes for All St. Louis: A Renter Hotline will provide free legal and advocacy training to St. Louis metropolitan renters, which will reduce the number of Black women and children evicted and displaced during a time of mass evictions, economic downturn, and a soaring health crisis.
- Infant Loss Resources Inc.: A Safe Sleep Village will reduce the number of infant sleep related deaths in high infant mortality areas.
- Living With Purpose Incorporated: A Supporting Baden Mothers Community Initiative will be launched to aid 23 Baden-area families with housing, clothing, transportation, food, furniture, household items, counseling services, case management, and technology needs.
- St. Louis Doula Project, Inc.: A free virtual childbirth education program will offer childbirth education and peer support groups virtually, in addition to providing relevant starter baby care items.
- S.T.A.R For Early Childhood Educators Incorporated: A Let’s Talk “From Parents to Partners” program will bring awareness to the Black/brown community about maternal and infant mortality rates. The program will also provide resources and tools to both parents, allowing them to effectively communicate and strengthen their co-parenting relationship for the well-being of the child.
- The Community Reach: Through their Black Motherhood Village, The Community Reach and community partners will provide new and expecting mothers with mental, emotional, social, and parenting support through free or low- cost services.
- Walk N Faith Inc.: A FORWARD-NAS Mobile Clinic Prevention will provide substance use disorder treatment, maternal health education, and supplies to reduce Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in communities of color. The grant will allow Walk N Faith Inc. organization to offer services to mothers and pregnant females that are diagnosed with Opiate Use Disorder.
Since 2019, FLOURISH has invested over $532,000 in community-based projects to support Black pregnant and parenting families in St. Louis through the Community Mobilization and Innovation grant and over $350,000 in grants through a COVID-19 Response Fund. We are excited to welcome the newest cohort into the FLOURISH network and support this on-the-ground work.
The next round of CMI funding is available now through May 14, 2021. For more information or to apply, visit our funding opportunities page.
