MILWAUKEE – Today, the Zilber Family Foundation announced it will provide over $3 million to support the expansion of the Bridge Project, building on the impacts of the first cohort in Milwaukee. The Yabuki Family Foundation, City of Milwaukee with ARPA funds, and other donors will also provide funding. This expansion will provide at least 180 eligible, low-income pregnant individuals in Milwaukee with unrestricted cash support for three years.
“The impact of the Bridge Project’s first Milwaukee cohort demonstrates what is possible when mothers have the flexibility to make the financial decisions that are best for their families,” said Zilber Family Foundation Executive Director Lianna Bishop. “With the support of public and private donors, we are excited to build on that progress and provide more Milwaukee mothers with economic stability during such a formative period in the lives of their children.”
The expansion builds on the progress from Milwaukee’s first cohort of 122 moms. After one year of engagement, participants saw a 67% decrease in housing instability, 33% saw a reduction in food insecurity, and 23% of mothers began new job training or education programs.
“When we invest in families early, we invest in their long-term health and financial stability,” said Bridge Project Executive Director Suzanna Fritzberg. “We’re proud that Milwaukee was the first city we launched in after building our roots in New York. Our expansion today shows what’s possible when public and private partners come together to give babies the strongest possible start.”
