An independent evaluation of the emme program confirms the transformative power of culturally rooted, consistent, and compassionate care for Black and Brown women in Bridgeport.
Who We Served
- 100 women and young women continuously enrolled in the program
- 95% identified as women of color
- Ages ranged from 12 to 49
- All participants had one or more unmet need related to housing, childcare, food, transportation, or healthcare
Personal Growth & Well-Being
emme participants reported significant gains in nearly every aspect of their lives:
- 92% increased confidence in parenting abilities
- 88% improved intimate relationships
- 85% felt better equipped to manage stress and trauma
- 66% reported greater confidence navigating the healthcare system
- 51% increased knowledge of reproductive and sexual health
Progress Toward Life Goals
Participants made meaningful progress toward:
- Earning a high school diploma or GED
- Learning English or improving language proficiency
- Enrolling in college or vocational programs
- Securing employment and internships
- Improving financial literacy, including building emergency savings
- Gaining independence from unsafe family dynamics
Health Equity Outcomes
emme participants showed better health engagement and outcomes than a matched comparison group:
- Higher utilization of medical, dental, OB/GYN, and behavioral health services
- Longer gestational age at birth on average (38.9 weeks vs. 33.0 weeks), reducing risk of preterm birth
- Increased access to mental health support, with 94% behavioral health appointment attendance
- Notably, more Black women enrolled in emme than typically seen in regional health programs
The emme Model in Action
- Participants met weekly with Community Health Workers (CHWs) for personalized life coaching
- CHWs served as trusted supports, offering emotional encouragement, goal tracking, and resource navigation
- emme offered wraparound services, including support with transportation, childcare, and legal aid
- CHWs completed advanced training in trauma-informed care, life coaching, and maternal health
What We’re Building
- A model of maternal and reproductive health that centers dignity, trust, and self-determination
- A network of support that reduces isolation and increases self-advocacy
- A community-led approach that improves real outcomes and tackles systemic disparities head-on
The data is clear: emme works.
We are not just supporting individual women. We are shifting what health and healing can look like for an entire community.