This week, Ohio Mothers Trust will disburse its first direct cash payments to 32 Columbus mothers, each receiving $500 a month over the next year. This initiative marks the first unconditional guaranteed income program in Columbus. It is a collaborative effort led by the nonprofits RISE Together Innovation Institute, Motherful, and UpTogether.
“Ohio Mothers Trust aims to show that providing unconditional cash support to mothers can significantly boost the financial stability and overall well-being of families,” said Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together, an organization dedicated to disrupting poverty in Columbus. “Childhood poverty was estimated to cost Franklin County $5.2 billion in lost economic activity in 2021. Providing families the resources they need is an investment in their future and the future health of our community.”
Eligible participants are single mothers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median. Motherful, a community-driven organization, identified the participants. They will be surveyed regularly to capture insights into the program’s impact on their lives.
“Being a recipient of the Ohio Mothers Trust guaranteed income is such a blessing. I am beyond blessed to have been selected to be part of this program. It makes me so happy to think that my bills will be paid on time and I can afford to get my son into more activities,“ said one program participant.
“As a single mother, this support means the world to me and my child. The monthly funding not only alleviates the stress of managing bills but also provides a pathway for me to tackle my debts and build a more stable future. Thank you for seeing us single moms, for hearing us, and for creating a community that reminds us that we are worthy and not alone,” said another program participant.
“Ohio Mothers Trust sees the mothers of Columbus as deserving of recognition, support, and investment. We intend to use the results of this initiative to advocate for broader, unrestricted cash investments for families across Franklin County,” said Lisa Woodward, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Motherful. “We hope this is the first of many Ohio Mothers Trust cohorts as we build community momentum to invest in one of our most vital resources—mothers.”
RISE Together and UpTogether are funding the $211,200 initiative.
“UpTogether’s experience managing direct cash programs nationwide proves that these initiatives drive socioeconomic mobility. Ohio Mothers Trust is investing in mothers, trusting them to make the best choices for their families. Moms, after all, know what their families need,” said Astar Herndon, UpTogether’s Midwest Partnership Director.