Museum Hosts Kickoff of Unique Program for Expectant Parents
Feb. 23 Event Lets Eligible Kalamazoo Families Apply On Site for up to $7,500
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Are you expecting a child? Know someone who is, or planning to start a family? Then you don't want to miss the kickoff event for the local launch of Rx Kids from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to be held Sunday, Feb. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
The program is the first citywide parent and infant cash program in the United States, providing funds to expectant families both during and post-pregnancy.
All pregnant people in the city of Kalamazoo are eligible for a one-time payment of $1,500, no strings attached. Then, they can receive $500 a month throughout the baby's first year, the most economically vulnerable and developmentally important time in a family and child's life. Learn more about the program at kalfound.org/rx-kids-kalamazoo, the website for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The foundation holds the local Kalamazoo Rx Kids Fund.
During the kickoff, enjoy special activities, giveaways and a free 1 p.m. "Sesame Street" planetarium show! In addition, eligible families will be able to sign up for Rx Kids on site. Also, visit with around 15 vendors for information about free immunizations, diapers, pregnancy tests and prenatal care, and low-cost services for families with children ages zero to one year. There is no cost to attend the event, and registration is not required.
The Rx Kids program will be administered by an organization called GiveDirectly. The initiative began in Flint last year and is now expanding to other Michigan communities. After the city of Kalamazoo's launch date, the simple application to enroll will be found at rxkids.org. To apply, applicants will need to provide documents that verify eligibility, including:
- Their identity
- Their residency in the city of Kalamazoo
- Their pregnancy/guardianship status, verifying a projected due date or birth that takes place after the launch date of the program. Births that occur before the program launch date will not be eligible.
Note: There are a variety of documents that are accepted for each of these elements.
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.