40. Community Need Brigid’s Path cares for infants that were born exposed to addictive substances through utilizing both medical and non-medical care. Additionally, we provide wrap around services to moms and family members to promote the success of the family unit. Through supporting these families, we have seen there is a great need to provide additional supports to families, both before delivery and after their infant is discharged from Brigid’s Path as they move into the next steps of parenting. We have looked holistically at the needs of the families we serve and how to best support them as they overcome substance use disorder, which ultimately sets the family up for success and creates healthy outcomes for babies and families.

One of the largest barriers for the families we serve is a lack of safe, stable housing. Through the Brigid’s Path Community, we will provide housing to pregnant moms to support them before delivery, in addition to housing for families after they have been discharged from Brigid’s Path. Additionally, child care will be provided onsite, allowing for moms to attend classes, groups, and find employment. There will be a café and a boutique onsite, which will provide employment opportunities for moms and a way for the community to engage with the mission and support the families we serve. The café and store will also provide a sustainable revenue stream to carry on the programs and services of Brigid’s Path.

We will be able to impact the social determinants of health for moms and families through the comprehensive services provided through the Brigid’s Path Community. The neighborhood and built environment will be positively impacted through providing housing and resources to moms and families in a safe area with security onsite. Through healthcare, we will continue to assist with connections to substance use disorder treatment providers, primary care physicians, and other health resources as needed. The social and community context will be impacted by reducing the stigma of substance use disorder through moms interacting with the community in the café and store. We will also be able to provide employment and job training to moms regardless of their legal history. There will be educational opportunities through speakers, education referrals to moms for GED programming, parenting education, and job readiness training. Additionally, there will be early childhood education for infants and children through the Early Learning Center, which will also provide safe care for infants while mom is attending appointments or at work. The Brigid’s Path Community will bring the community together by providing economic stability to families with stable housing and employment, safe childcare, and connection with the larger community, so families and our community can thrive together.