Rx Kids is a new program that provides $7,500 to mothers with new babies with no strings attached as to how the money is spent. The program is based on a similar effort in Flint, MI, launched in January of 2024. The program is in part made possible by federal ARPA funds that had to be allocated by the end of 2024.
The City of Kalamazoo’s Kevin Ford Explains how the program works.
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Rx Kids: $7,500 to Help Moms and Babies in Kalamazoo
Rx Kids, a groundbreaking initiative in Kalamazoo, aims to support new mothers and their babies with direct financial assistance. The program is set to deliver $7,500 in no-strings-attached payments, helping families during one of the most critical periods of their lives.
How the Program Works
Kevin Ford, Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo, explained, “It’s pretty simple in a nutshell. It’s a direct cash payment, and it’s for new mothers.” Here’s how it breaks down:
- $1,500 prenatal payment provided before the baby is born.
- $500 monthly payments for 12 months after birth.
Families are free to use the funds as they see fit. “The family [can] use it as it sees fit,” Ford emphasized.
Launching in February 2025
The program is scheduled to begin in February 2025, and excitement is building. “The city organization feels great about it. I mean, they supported it,” Ford said. “Community, I believe, is excited too. It’s been a lot of inquiry from folks in the community about it and how they can get connected.”
A Piece of a Bigger Puzzle
While the Rx Kids program is a significant step forward, organizers acknowledge it’s only part of the solution to broader economic challenges. “It’s one ingredient in a larger effort that needs to take place,” Ford noted.
Drawing parallels to federal stimulus payments during COVID-19, they explained, “During COVID, the federal government sent out cash to, you know, millions of families, and it actually worked to help reduce child poverty. So it’s not an over-the-top radical thing. It’s just something that we’ve never done before [locally].”
However, Ford cautioned that the program alone won’t solve economic inequality. “$7,500 for one year is just not going to do it in terms of moving the needle. But it is a hell of a start.”
Community Support Is Key
As the program gears up, organizers stress the importance of continued community involvement. “We’ll still need all of [the] community to help move that forward,” Ford said. “I think it’s the first step towards some larger efforts that can get community excited and engaged.”
Building Momentum for Change
Rx Kids represents a bold step toward addressing economic disparities and supporting new families in Kalamazoo. While $7,500 won’t solve all challenges, it marks the beginning of a larger journey toward shared prosperity.
