ADVANCING HEALTHY BIRTHS

Youth in foster care are more likely to experience homelessness or poverty, low self-esteem that leads to risky behaviors, lower education attainment, and teen pregnancy and parenting. 

If these youth become pregnant or are parenting, they face additional challenges including increased placement instability, increased likelihood of experiencing homelessness or poverty, and an even greater strain on their ability to have normal adolescent experiences.

The good news is that these challenges can be overcome when youth are given support and resources that can lead to positive outcomes including breaking the generational cycle of foster care.

And that's where the Macomb Foster Closet comes in. We provide comprehensive support and essential services for youth in care who are pregnant or parenting.

Advancing Healthy Births is a Macomb Foster Closet program made possible in part with grant funding from United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

We will equip youth with the resources necessary to meet basic care needs such as bedding for parent and child, essential baby supplies, car seats, and items to promote safe sleep.

Transportation support in the form of bus passes, gas cards, or Uber gift cards may also be available to shop at the Macomb Foster Closet and to attend child/parent medical appointments.

We will also provide follow-up resources and future support including the ability to shop at the Macomb Foster Closet to participating youth. The goal of this program is to improve maternal and infant health while creating equity in the lives of youth in foster care.

Eligible Youth

Youth who are in or who have aged out of foster care and who are pregnant or parenting.

Resides in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.

How to Apply

  DHHS and Private Agency case managers can submit referrals on behalf of the youth. Youth who have aged out of foster care can submit their referral if they do not have an active caseworker.

Verifications of child welfare involvement, a prior foster care case, and/or current placement in foster care, relative care, or guardianship will be required.

Program services in part or in full are not guaranteed and are at the sole discretion of the Macomb Foster Closet. Reimbursements are not allowed.

We need your help to stock up on baby essentials!

We need diapers, wipes, pull-ups, formula, baby shampoo, lotion, bubble bath, Desitin cream, baby monitors, baby bottles, and other great items you might find on sale. Check out our Baby Wish List.

We can also take new and gently used clean cribs, tall dressers, changing tables, high chairs, strollers, unexpired car seats, and gift cards for teens.

Please make an appointment on our DONATE page to drop off.