The Western Mass MOMS Partnership launched as part of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation’s NextGen Study. In September 2024, the Western Mass MOMS team met study goals, successfully enrolling 850 mothers in the rigorous evaluation of the connections between mental health supports and economic mobility. A descriptive report--Building Skills and Peer Connections to Improve Mothers’ Mental Wellness: Implementation of Western Mass MOMS | The Administration for Children and Families--has been published, and additional study results are forthcoming.  Viability, Inc., which leads Western Mass MOMS is expanding access to MOMS programming statewide this year. 

Many mothers—especially those with low incomes—struggle with depression and social isolation, which can in turn affect their economic well-being. Western Mass MOMS aims to reduce depressive symptoms, improve social connections, and improve the economic well-being of caregivers with low incomes. Viability, Inc., has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and over 40 local agencies to reach mothers in Holyoke and Springfield.  

The NextGen Study is being conducted by Mathematica, in partnership with The Adjacent Possible. Seeking to rigorously evaluate the “next generation” of employment strategies for individuals with low income, the goal of the NextGen Project is to identify and study innovative employment programs for people facing complex employment challenges. This study explores how the programs are designed and operated, their cost, and how effective they are at improving participants’ employment, health, and other outcomes related to economic self-sufficiency and well-being. Elevate Policy Lab provided training and technical assistance for the study. 

Today, Western Mass MOMS programming is continuing under Viability, Inc.’s leadership.  MOMS programming in Western Mass includes the MOMS Stress Management Course, involvement of a Community Mental Health Ambassador, and incentives for engagement in program activities. In addition, Western Mass MOMS offers an economic mobility curriculum and career development services to directly address the participating mothers' work and educational needs. Western Mass MOMS will serve mothers in Springfield and Holyoke, along with mothers across the state through virtual services. 

Elevate will partner with Viability, Inc. to measure participant engagement, satisfaction, and well-being, as well as program fidelity.