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Coming Together for Collective Impact

Grand Rapids Community Foundation has relationships, historical knowledge and financial resources. These uniquely position us to convene partners to improve community outcomes. Recently, the Community Foundation brought together public officials, funders and local early childhood experts to bring Rx Kids to our community. This program prescribes and provides cash support to parents and babies.

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Pictured: LaSandra, Mom, and Jennifer at RX Kids community launch event

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Partnering with Ecosystem Experts

We want to invest in programs that give families choices as they invest in their children’s future. Bringing Rx Kids to the 49507 ZIP code is one way we’re supporting our local early childhood ecosystem.

Since 2009, First Steps Kent has been a trusted collaborator and expert in building a comprehensive early childhood system. They do it by gathering parents, funders, service providers and advocates.

Today, First Steps Kent is getting the word out about Rx Kids to our community’s newest parents. Families who live in 49507 are already using their cash prescriptions to cover costs that come up during pregnancy and early infancy.

Cash for Families

Each family can decide how to use the money to meet their own goals or needs. Parents use it for diapers, housing, payment on their first car and more.

“During pregnancy and the first year of your child’s life, there are such extreme highs, right? Such excitement to have a new baby or babies in your home. But you can also encounter some stressors.”
— Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President, First Steps Kent

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Pictured: Jennifer Headley-Nordman, First Steps Kent

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Through direct cash prescriptions, we’re moving the needle on community-level outcomes. Research from Rx Kids programs across the region shows:

  • More babies are surviving their first month of life, with neonatal mortality down 50%.
  • Household stress is lower, with 88% of mothers reporting Rx Kids reduced their stress.
  • Across all Rx Kids sites, 85% of surveyed participants say Rx Kids helps them feel more financially secure.

“Rx Kids cash prescriptions recognize that each family is different,” said LaSandra Gaddy, Community Foundation president and CEO. “It’s so important to invest in programs that give parents choices. We know parents in our community care deeply for their kids today, and that will have benefits down the road.”

Together we’re able to accomplish more and step up for our neighbors. Our community will continue to work together to influence outcomes we can all be proud of.

Pregnant woman in magenta ruffled blouse and white pants holding hands with a young girl in cream outfit and rainbow sneakers by a riverside railing
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First Steps Kent staff and supporters pose together at a Cash for Moms and Babies event, beneath a screen thanking the program’s funders.

Pictured: Local mom and child and Rx Kids community launch event

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“It's so important to invest in programs that give parents choices. We know parents in our community care deeply for their kids today, and that will have benefits down the road.”

LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO

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