Research shows that pregnancy and the time just after a baby is born are associated with heightened risk for violence, relationship problems, family instability, and mood disorders. MotherWise, our flagship program, is the first in metro-Denver dedicated to reducing these risks by empowering mothers and their families to thrive during this critical stage. In group-based workshops, women who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby consider ways to communicate effectively in close relationships, solve problems and manage conflict in their families, and exit unhealthy relationships safely. The six-week program uses an evidence-based curriculum called Within My Reach. The program also presents information about self-care and caring for and connecting with a newborn. In addition to the workshops, each MotherWise participant has a dedicated case manager (family support coordinator) who works one-on-one with her to apply new skills in her own life and to connect her with other community resources such as food assistance, housing, and employment services. We provide meals, onsite childcare, and free transportation to support attendance and we offer additional workshops she can attend with her partner. All program services are available in English and Spanish; a third of the mothers we serve are monolingual Spanish speaking.
