RWJBarnabas Health announced Dec. 18 a $2 million investment in The Bridge Project, a groundbreaking initiative that provides unconditional cash assistance to low-income new and expectant mothers.
The health system’s commitment, supported by state appropriation funding, was instrumental in bringing The Bridge Project to New Jersey for the first time.
“RWJBarnabas Health is deeply committed to advancing maternal health for all mothers, and this investment reflects that commitment in action,” said Suzanne Spernal, senior vice president, women’s health, RWJBarnabas Health. “By directly supporting mothers during pregnancy and early childhood, we are helping ensure families have the financial stability, autonomy and dignity they deserve. The Bridge Project brings an innovative, evidence-based approach to maternal and infant well-being, and we are proud to help make it a reality in New Jersey.”
Through RWJBarnabas Health’s investment, up to $20,000 will be placed directly into the hands of mothers during the first three years of their child’s life, helping families meet essential needs during a critical development period. The program’s no-strings-attached model offers a $1,125 prenatal stipend, followed by monthly payments for 36 months that promote healthy child development, parental well-being and household stability.
“At The Bridge Project, we have seen how investing directly in mothers can transform maternal and infant health, and drive lasting improvements in families’ financial stability,” said Suzanna Fritzberg, executive director of The Bridge Project. “Our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health has enabled us to expand our programming in New Jersey and support families when they need it most.”
The Bridge Project has expanded its evidence-based model to New Jersey from cohorts in New York, Wisconsin, Connecticut, the Appalachia region and Massachusetts. In New Jersey, the program will support 250 eligible pregnant individuals in the state, 100 of whom will be supported by RWJBarnabas Health’s investment.
Since the program’s inception, The Bridge Project has served more than 2,000 families nationwide. Among the improvements The Bridge Project cited on its website were: 242% savings increase after six months in the program; 63% of moms in transitional housing moved to permanent housing within nine months; 90% reported improved mental health and stress levels after receiving one payment; and 80% of moms are working in a full-time or part-time capacity after 18 months.
In New Jersey, eligible participants must be 18 years or older, reside in designated participating municipalities, have an annual household income below $44,000 and be 23 weeks pregnant or less at the time of enrollment; no Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number is required.
“Our investment in The Bridge Project is another example of how we are tackling social determinants of health head-on,” said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, senior vice president, community health, RWJBarnabas Health.
“We recognize that the first three years of a child’s life are critical to long-term health and well-being. By supporting this program, we are helping to address childhood poverty at its roots while fulfilling our mission to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey.”
