New Moms

5317 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60651
Enhanced Volunteer Enhanced Volunteer

OUR MISSION

“New Moms serves young moms, aged 13-24, and their children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.¬† 97% are Latino or African-American, with children aged 5 or younger.

Most participants arrive with nothing more than a baby in their arms and a trash bag full of their belongings. Nearly 70% are victims of domestic or s***** abuse. Most have no permanent home, and report “couch surfing” from one potentially dangerous, transient living situation to another, children in tow. Others are officially homeless, living on the streets with their children.

When they come to us, approximately 80% have dropped out of school, and on average only read at a 4th grade level.

The children of our participants are:

  • 4 times more likely than non-homeless children to be abused, neglected, or abandoned
  • 3 times more likely to be placed in remedial education
  • 10 times more likely to continue the cycle of poverty.
  • Without intervention, sons of teen mothers are almost 3 times more likely than sons of non-teens to become incarcerated.
  • Daughters are 83% more likely to themselves become mothers by age 18.

Despite these obstacles, our participants are natural leaders with a desire to improve the lives of their families. As we educate participants on the proper care for their children, they break the cycles of abuse and neglect, moving toward economic independence and family stability.

To volunteer your time to New Moms, click¬†here.”