A Pima County program that helps low-income mothers build a better physical and financial future for themselves and their families is featured in an open-house style showcase event on Thursday, Oct. 25, noon to 5 p.m., at the Abrams Public Health Center.
Mothers in Arizona Moving Ahead -- MAMA for short -- is a grant-funded project that assists mothers and their children living in poverty. A partnership between the Pima County Health Department and the county’s Community Services, Employment and Training Department, the program enables mothers to attend “Getting Ahead” classes in a safe learning environment where they explore the impact of poverty on themselves, their families, and their communities, assess their own resources, and plan new future stories.
After the 50-hour class, moms enter “Circles of Care” where volunteers provide additional support for meeting their goals and overcoming barriers Throughout the process, the moms offer ideas for improving services and building a more prosperous community.
MAMA worked with five community partners who offered classes and supported the program: the Community Food Bank, The Haven, Amity and Dragonfly Village, La Frontera’s Rally Point, and Tucson Urban League.
The event will feature panels including MAMA participants reflecting on how the program has impacted them, community partners and allies sharing their experience, evaluators reviewing program outcomes, and experts on health equity discussing the importance of programs like MAMA to address social barriers that impede quality health for all.
The Oct. 25 event will include 13 videos created by participants about their lives and the program that can be viewed throughout the day, ongoing panels, and a “data room” to learn more about the program components. Program participants, staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions. Parking is free. Refreshments will be served.
Abrams Public Health Center is at 3950 S. Country Club Road. For more information, contact Bonnie Bazata at 520-724-3704 or bonnie.bazata@pima.gov.