Our Story

Mission

The mission of the Pop Up Pregnancy & Family Village is to transform the delivery and design of health services for expectant and postpartum women and their families. By creating a one-stop shop for access to comprehensive care, resources, and support, we aim to address social determinants of health, mental well-being, and physical health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our goal is to eliminate barriers to care and improve maternal and infant health outcomes through community-centered and evidence-based interventions.

Vision

Our vision is to create a supportive, accessible, and equitable healthcare environment where all mothers, infants, and families can thrive. We envision a community where racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant health are eliminated, and every family has the resources and support they need to achieve optimal health and well-being. Through collaboration with local health systems, community organizations, and other stakeholders, we strive to build a resilient and healthy community for future generations.

History

The Pop Up Pregnancy & Family Village was launched in December 2023 with funding from the Health First St. Joseph County Grant from the Indiana Department of Health. The initiative was developed in response to the persistent health risks confronting women and infants in St. Joseph County, Indiana, particularly the high maternal and infant mortality rates and significant racial disparities in health outcomes.

Drawing inspiration from the San Francisco Pop-Up Village model, the St. Joseph County version was adapted to provide essential maternal and infant services in public spaces for all residents of our county while targeting most impacted neighborhoods, fostering economic development and community engagement. Since its inception, the Pop Up Village planning group has met biweekly to co-create a Pop Up Village model that offers a wide range of services that meet the needs of the community.

With additional funding from a HRSA Healthy Start grant from BHS, the Pop Up Pregnancy & Family Village is being extended into Elkhart County in 2025.