PONTIAC, Mich. – A program that provides no-strings-attached cash to new moms is expanding to Pontiac.
The Rx Kids, which will launch on May 1, will provide an initial $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month throughout the baby’s first six months of life.
“The family can use it as they need to,” said Susan Harding, CEO of Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA).
The program first launched in Flint and has since spread to Kalamazoo and the UP.
“They use (the money) for everything from food, formula, and all the expenses that come with the child, but they can also use it to make sure all their mortgage or rent payments are made,” Harding said.
Angela Sintery, a new mom from Flint who has been receiving the Rx Kids payments, shared how the program has helped her family.
“It helped with buying the car seat I was worried about buying, diapers, and it helped when I had to repair my car that broke down,” Sintery said. “It helped with that, and now it’s helping with childcare.”
Rx Kids says studies have shown their program to improve the mental and physical health of mom and baby.
“It’s about ultimately investing in our future,” Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel said. “Our young people are our future. We want to make sure we are supporting pregnant mothers and newborns so they have the best possible start to their new life.”
Harding said the application process is easy, only having to verify a person’s pregnancy and residency.
The Pontiac program was announced Tuesday and has already gotten a huge response.
“It kind of kind of sounds too good to be true,” Noorah Khalid said.
Khalid is a mom of three with baby number four due in late May.
“It would be a huge stress off me because being a mom of four is not cheap,” Khalid said.
Any expecting mothers can apply through the online application.
Rx Kids is funded through multiple sources, including private donations.
Anyone interested in making a donationjacquelin can click here or contact Susan Harding at susanh@olhsa.org.