Mothers Matter

Needs Assessment for Young Mothers in Central Harlem

Objective

To identify the specific needs of young mothers in the Central Harlem community concerning mental health, pregnancy care, postpartum care, and breastfeeding.

01

Surveys and Questionnaires

Distribute surveys to young mothers in the community.

Key topics to include

  • Access to mental health services
  • Experiences during pregnancy
  • Postpartum care resources
  • Breastfeeding support and education

02

Focus Groups

Organize focus group discussions with young mothers to gather qualitative insights.

Facilitate discussions on

  • Challenges faced during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Perceived gaps in existing services
  • Desired resources and support systems

03

Interviews with Healthcare Providers

Conduct interviews with local healthcare providers to understand the challenges and barriers young mothers face.

Gather insights on

  • Service availability
  • Common concerns raised by young mothers
  • Recommendations for improvement

04

Community Partnerships

  • Collaborate with local organizations, churches, and community centers that work with young mothers.
  • Utilize their networks to reach a broader audience and gather data.

Areas of Focus

Mental Health

  • Identify common mental health challenges faced by young mothers.
  • Assess the availability and accessibility of mental health services.

Postpartum Care

  • Investigate the resources available for postpartum support.
  • Identify common postpartum issues and the support needed.

Pregnancy Care

  • Evaluate access to prenatal care services.
  • Understand the quality of care and support during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

  • Assess knowledge and support for breastfeeding practices.
  • Identify barriers to successful breastfeeding and support systems available.

Data Analysis

Analyze quantitative data from surveys using statistical methods.
Thematic analysis of qualitative data from focus groups and interviews to identify key trends and needs.

Reporting

Analyze quantitative data from surveys using statistical methods.
Thematic analysis of qualitative data from focus groups and interviews to identify key trends and needs.

Next Steps

Develop a timeline for conducting the assessment.
Identify funding (NYC/People’s Money) and resources needed to execute the needs assessment.
Engage stakeholders and community leaders in this planning process.

This structured approach will help ensure that the specific needs of young mothers in Central Harlem are thoroughly identified and addressed, ultimately leading to improved support and resources for this population with the Mother’s Matter Initiative.

Needs Assessment Statement for the Mother's Matter Initiative

Purpose: The Mother’s Matter Initiative, implemented by MARC in Central Harlem, aims to identify and address the specific needs of young mothers and pregnant women in the community. This initiative recognizes the unique challenges faced by this demographic, including access to healthcare, mental health support, breastfeeding education, and parenting resources.

Background: Central Harlem is home to a diverse population of young mothers who often encounter significant barriers to accessing comprehensive maternal and child health services. These barriers can include socioeconomic challenges, limited access to quality healthcare, and a lack of supportive resources for mental health and parenting education.

Objectives

The needs assessment seeks to:

Identify the key challenges and barriers faced by young mothers regarding pregnancy, postpartum care, and mental health.
Gather insights on the availability and accessibility of current services and resources in the community.
Understand the specific topics and types of support that young mothers require to enhance their overall well-being and parenting experience.

Methodology

The assessment will involve surveys, focus groups, and interviews with young mothers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. This comprehensive approach will ensure that diverse perspectives are included, leading to a deeper understanding of the community’s needs.

Expected Outcomes

The findings from the needs assessment will inform the development and implementation of targeted programs and services through the Mother’s Matter Initiative. By addressing the identified needs, MARC aims to empower young mothers in Central Harlem, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and foster a supportive community for families.

This needs assessment statement provides a clear overview of the purpose, background, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the Mother’s Matter Initiative, positioning MARC as a proactive advocate for the health and well-being of young mothers in Central Harlem.

Mothers Matter Initiative - Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in the Mothers Matter Initiative, a program designed to empower and support mothers in our community. Please fill out the form below to express your interest in participating.

Personal Information:
Demographic Information (Optional):
Program Interest:
How do you believe the Mothers Matter Initiative could support you? (Optional):
Availability and Commitment:
Additional Information:
Signature:
By submitting this form, I am expressing interest in the Mothers Matter Initiative and give permission for the information provided to be used to assess my eligibility and program involvement.

Thank you for your interest in the Mothers Matter Initiative, a program designed to empower and support mothers in our community. Please fill out the form below to express your interest in participating.