A Denver-based company, Goldbug, has taken a groundbreaking step in funding a guaranteed income pilot program for pregnant women, becoming the first privately financed program of its kind in the United States. The program aims to address the rising issues of maternal mortality and the escalating costs of childcare, healthcare, and housing. Unlike most guaranteed income pilots, which are typically financed by governments or nonprofits, Goldbug’s program is funded entirely by the private company. Twenty participants, all pregnant women in the Denver area experiencing economic hardship, have already received their first monthly checks of $750. The program’s focus on supporting underserved groups, including women of color and participants from rural areas, sets it apart from other initiatives in the field. By providing recurring and predictable income, the program aims to improve the mental and physical health outcomes for both mothers-to-be and their newborns. As the conversation around guaranteed income continues to grow nationally, Goldbug’s pilot program seeks to contribute to the evidence of its efficacy and inspire other organizations and governments to follow suit.
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Title: Denver Company Gives $750 Monthly to Pregnant Women in Guaranteed Income Program
Introduction
In Denver, a private company called Goldbug has launched a pioneering guaranteed income program specifically for pregnant women. This program aims to address the rising costs of childcare, healthcare, and housing, while also combatting the increase in maternal mortality rates. Through this initiative, pregnant women in the Denver area will receive a monthly cash payment of $750 to support their financial needs during their second and third trimesters.
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Overview
Maternal mortality rates in the United States have been on the rise, coinciding with the increasing costs of essential services. To improve the health outcomes of expectant mothers and their newborns, a guaranteed income pilot program has been implemented in Denver. Guaranteed income programs, which provide regular cash payments as supplemental assistance, have seen a significant increase in recent years. These pilots, often financed by governments or nonprofits, have targeted various populations, including low-income individuals, formerly incarcerated people, artists, and new fathers.
The Rise of Maternal Mortality and Rising Costs
The combination of increasing maternal mortality rates and rising costs of childcare, healthcare, and housing has created a challenging environment for pregnant women in the United States. The new initiative in Denver aims to address these issues by supporting the mental and physical health of expectant mothers and their newborns. By providing a guaranteed income, this program seeks to alleviate financial stress and improve overall well-being.
Increase in Guaranteed Income Pilots
Guaranteed income pilots have become more prevalent in recent years, with over 48 pilots created between 2020 and 2022. These programs have primarily targeted low-income individuals, with some specifically focused on vulnerable populations. While most pilots have been financed by governments or nonprofits, the Denver-based program stands out as the first privately funded initiative of its kind. This unique approach demonstrates the potential for the private sector to contribute to social welfare efforts.
Denver-based Program Funded by Private Company
Goldbug, a Denver-based infant clothing distributor, is the private company funding the guaranteed income pilot for pregnant women. Founded in 1968 and led by CEO Katherine Gold, Goldbug has a history of supporting initiatives for pregnant women, including donations to a local doula program and providing meals to women with high-risk pregnancies. Goldbug’s commitment to the well-being of its customers, who primarily shop at mainstream stores like Walmart and Target, inspired the company to create this program to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Background on Goldbug and CEO Katherine Gold
Goldbug, a respected infant clothing distributor founded by Katherine Gold’s father, has been serving mainstream stores for over five decades. As a single mother who faced the challenges of running a business while raising a child, Gold understands firsthand the difficulties pregnant women can experience. Her personal experiences motivated her to create this guaranteed income program for pregnant women in the Denver area.
Partnership with Impact Charitable
Goldbug partnered with Impact Charitable, a nonprofit organization, to develop and implement the guaranteed income program. Impact Charitable brings expertise in direct cash assistance programs, having distributed $38 million to 25,000 people. By collaborating with Impact Charitable, Goldbug ensures the program is designed and executed with the utmost care and effectiveness.
Focus on Underserved Groups
The Denver-based guaranteed income program prioritizes underserved groups, with 70% of the recipients being women of color and an equal distribution between urban and rural participants. This focus on inclusivity is crucial, as many guaranteed income programs tend to predominantly serve urban populations. By including both urban and rural participants, the program aims to address the unique challenges faced by pregnant women in different settings.
Conclusion
Goldbug’s pioneering guaranteed income program for pregnant women in Denver is an important step towards improving the well-being of expectant mothers and reducing maternal mortality rates. This privately funded initiative demonstrates the potential of the private sector to contribute to social welfare efforts. By prioritizing underserved groups and partnering with Impact Charitable, Goldbug has created a program that addresses financial hardships faced by pregnant women in the Denver area. As the program progresses, it will serve as a valuable source of knowledge and data to influence the adoption of similar initiatives across the country. Through continued collaboration between the private sector, nonprofits, and government entities, it is possible to create meaningful change and support pregnant women throughout their pregnancies.
