our impact- What the data shows

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.

• 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
   

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
   

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
   

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
   

• 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
   

• 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.