In this edition of our Partner Link-Up Blog Series, we’re highlighting New Moms, a Chicagoland nonprofit that has supported and empowered young mothers for over 40 years. New Moms understands the importance of incorporating the right partnership to best support young moms on the path to success, including resources like housing and workforce training. Susanna Johnson, Workforce Development Director at New Moms shares more about their mission, their impact, and how their partnership with National Able Network has helped expand support for young families.
Question: Can you please introduce us to New Moms?
Answer: New Moms has been around for more than 40 years and is deeply rooted in Chicago’s West Side. We also provide services in the near west suburbs. We serve young moms (ages 24 and under) who are either pregnant or parenting, by offering a range of supportive services including housing, family support programs, job training programs, and more. We collaborate with these moms and empower them to pursue their goals with confidence.
Q: How did your partnership with National Able Network begin?
A: We understand the value in connecting our participants to additional support, so when the opportunity to join the SNAP to Success provider network with National Able Network was presented – we joined. The SNAP E&T program grew our capacity to offer additional supportive services and really focus on delivering high-quality programming to young families. It’s been absolutely phenomenal to have that support.
Q: What are some of the most meaningful outcomes you’ve seen as a result of this collaboration?
In our job training program, participants complete 16 weeks of paid, subsidized employment. Through our partnership with National Able Network, we’re able to ensure that our moms receive full support for both their wages and the additional services they may need.
Recently, we’ve seen a large interest among our participants in the healthcare field, and often that comes with added costs, such as uniforms, specialized training, or other industry-specific needs. Through this partnership, we can purchase equipment, clothing, or tailored items for each mom. It allows us to individualize support, which is incredibly meaningful.
Q: What makes this partnership unique or effective?
A: The ability to respond quickly and remove barriers is what makes this partnership so special. It’s more than a referral system. It’s a true collaboration that lets us provide the wraparound care our participants dream about and deserve. Instead of worrying about the cost, we get to ask them, “What are your goals?” and then focus on how to support them in reaching those goals. With National Able Network, we’re all in this together.
Q: What advice would you give to other organizations considering a partnership with National Able Network?
A: Don’t be afraid to get creative! When we meet with folks at National Able Network like Donna Claxon (Director, ACI/IT Career Lab & SNAP Intermediary Programs) and Patrick Meadie (Program Manager for SNAP Intermediary Program), they bring so many ideas to the table. My team and I genuinely feel that National Able Network is with us in this mission. Take time to really understand what’s possible with joining the SNAP to Success provider network. As nonprofit professionals, we’re always thinking about how to stretch funding to best support our participants, and thinking creatively with a team that understands the breadth of resources available makes it even more impactful.
