Vancouver At-Risk Comprehensive Program

Our At-Risk Comprehensive Support program is our most utilized program for low income mamas, expecting mamas and their families. This program provides 1-1 support with a social worker and our Karma Market coordinator to help mamas overcome the impact of poverty on their lives and on the lives of their children. The At-Risk Comprehensive program identifies barriers and provides resources and immediate supports to low income and struggling mamas, papas and caregivers to access basic needs to provide a healthy and safe living environment for their children. Issues we commonly support surround Mamas and families facing homelessness, abuse and violence, lack of basic resources including food, clothing, shoes, medical interventions not covered by MSP and access to menstrual/hygiene products. The program also helps facilitate resource navigation, addresses current gaps to prevent further poverty, provides access to supplementary diapers, wipes, and required baby items such as cribs, highchairs, and infant car seats. The at-risk program also refers internally to our mental health counselling and groups. For especially complex cases, we refer to internal support programs as appropriate including the Family Court Support Program, helping families navigate the court system and providing family based victim service support.

The donation program is a comprehensive program that matches identified needs of Mamas in the community with available donated items. Alternatively, matching donors whom have items identified by those clients in need. Items needed and items available are tracked and matched in an internal database that is updated daily as items come in and go out, and in office intakes take place. Although donating mama to mama is encouraged, a “store-front” space is maintained, and the Mamas for Mamas donation Van and team are available for pickup and delivery of items. This also includes donated new and returned items to stores partnered with Mamas for Mamas as means to recycling items set to be otherwise destroyed due to store policy. Monthly “pop-up” no cost clothing and household item swaps to take place. Location variable, space donated.

About the program:

When a family is brought to BC Children’s Hospital they often are brought on a moment’s notice and do not have everything they need. This program supports families travelling here from all over BC.

In addition to families who are in crisis, our BC Children’s program connects families with us who are in need of financial assistance while they care for a child who is chronically ill. Travelling to and from the hospital, affording childcare for other children while taking care of a child who is ill, and needing to take the time away from work to make appointments or stay over at the hospital takes a substantial financial toll on a family. When we connect with these families, we look for ways to fill gaps, find resources and assist with obtaining nonessential items required for living.

About the program:

When a child is invited to a birthday party and their mama cannot afford the gift, this program is there to offer a gift for the child to gift so they can attend the party. Or if a family needs support to gift their own child a birthday gift we are stocked with toys for the mama to choose from and cakes to help make the day festive.