This March, key partners from across New York City came together to review progress and chart the next steps for the MOMS Partnership® programs at CAMBA and BronxWorks shelters. Elevate, alongside leaders from the Robin Hood Foundation, NYC Department of Social Services, Department of Homeless Services, and the Office of Research & Policy Innovation, engaged in two pivotal meetings that underscored the program’s impact and future potential.

CAMBA: Strengthening implementation and engagement

At the CAMBA stakeholder meeting, the conversation centered on the ongoing evaluation of the second pilot of MOMS in the NYC shelter setting. The innovative crossover design aims to assess whether a leaner staffing model can maintain strong outcomes for participants. Elevate shared updates on implementation progress, including staff training, enhancements to the Community Mental Health Ambassador (CMHA) role, and the development of streamlined outreach, recruitment, and enrollment processes in collaboration with CAMBA staff.

Initial data speaks for itself—attendance and engagement in the first MOMS Stress Management cohort have been remarkable. Kerry Flanagan, CAMBA’s Senior Vice President of Family Shelter Services, highlighted the success of well-attended outreach and celebratory events, which have driven participant engagement and increased the use of available CAMBA services. Claire Harding-Keefe, CAMBA’s Chief Administrative Officer, echoed these sentiments, praising the MOMS team for their contributions. As the pilot study continues, the CAMBA team is committed to sustaining these early successes.

BronxWorks: Advancing cultural adaptation

At the BronxWorks stakeholder meeting, attention turned to the ongoing Spanish-language translation and cultural adaptation of the MOMS Stress Management Course. Dr. Rachel Ebling, Elevate’s Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning, provided an overview of Elevate’s culturally responsive approach. Megan Wendt, Program Coordinator, and Yndhira Rodriguez Espaillat, Community Mental Health Ambassador, shared specific adaptations made to course materials—including revised imagery, scenarios, and culturally relevant values—to better reflect the lived experiences of Spanish-speaking participants.

The first cohort using the adapted curriculum has seen strong engagement, reinforcing the importance of culturally attuned programming. The CMHA’s role has proven critical in fostering trust, bridging participants to additional supports, and easing cultural transitions. BronxWorks CEO Eileen Torres commended the program’s impact and expressed enthusiasm for its continued growth. With demand already high, the next cohort of MOMS Stress Management is set to launch at the end of the month.

Looking Ahead

Elevate, based out of the Yale Child Study Center, is deeply grateful for the collaboration and commitment of all partners in the NYC DHS MOMS projects. As these programs continue to evolve, the Elevate team remains dedicated to delivering evidence-based, community-centered mental health support that engages mothers in shelter settings.