What if the difference between struggling and thriving was just a matter of access? For many women and children in underserved communities, barriers like poverty, housing instability, and limited healthcare access prevent them from reaching their full potential. At Maryvale, we’re working to break down these barriers by offering community-based services that provide tailored support where needed most. This blog explores how Maryvale’s commitment to equity makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it most, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stability through our programs and services.
The Importance of Equity in Community Services
Equity is not the same as equality. While equality aims to provide the same resources to everyone, equity recognizes that different people face different barriers and, therefore, require different kinds of support. This approach ensures that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve the same outcomes by meeting their specific needs.
For example, women with children living in poverty often face unique challenges, such as the inability to access affordable housing or mental health services. These issues can spiral into further difficulties, like instability in employment or lack of adequate child development programs. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in 2020, the United States had a shortage of 7 million affordable rental homes for extremely low-income renters. The disparities continue in healthcare as well. For instance, the American Psychological Association reports that communities of color experience lower access to mental health services, which is a significant barrier to their overall well-being. Maryvale helps address these issues through various tailored services aimed at women and children, providing the care they need to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
How Maryvale’s Services Champion Equity
At Maryvale, we understand that each person’s needs are different, and therefore, we offer services specifically designed to help individuals overcome their unique challenges. From housing support to mental health care, we are committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care that supports women and children in need. Our services are designed to help families achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
Temporary Housing at Seton House
One of our most impactful services is temporary housing at Seton House, which provides a safe, supportive environment for women and children in need. For many, a stable home is the first step in rebuilding their lives. At Seton House, we offer more than just a roof over their heads. We provide job readiness programs, career counselling, and resources that help women transition back into the workforce. With a 55% employment rate and a 74% transition rate to stable housing, Seton House helps families find lasting stability.
Early Childhood Programs
A strong foundation in education is critical for children. That’s why our early childhood programs focus on child development and offer quality educational opportunities for children from birth through age five. Our programs ensure that all children have the tools to succeed academically. Our 99% family satisfaction rate speaks to the effectiveness of these programs, and we are proud to see the positive impact they have on the children we serve.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is an essential aspect of well-being, and Maryvale offers a wide range of mental health services designed to address the emotional needs of women and children. Our cognitive behavioral therapies and family therapy programs are a vital part of the support we provide. Through trauma-informed care, we ensure that the mental health needs of each individual are met in a compassionate and understanding way. Many of our clients benefit from intensive outpatient programs, depending on the severity of their condition. In fact, 97% of our clients show improvement in their functioning after discharge from our programs, highlighting the effectiveness of our mental health services.
Wraparound Services
Our wraparound services offer coordinated care across multiple sectors, ensuring families receive the full support they need. These services can include help with housing, healthcare, education, and more. By connecting families with the right resources, we help them break the cycle of poverty and instability that often keeps them from succeeding.
Substance Use Services
Addiction and substance use disorders often go hand in hand with poverty, housing instability, and mental health challenges. Through our Connections by Maryvale program, we are proud to provide substance use services designed to help women overcome addiction and build healthy, sustainable lives. Since August 2023, we've provided services to 45 clients in need of drug rehabilitation, giving them the tools to recover and rebuild.
The Role of Community Partnerships in Breaking Barriers
At Maryvale, our work would not be possible without the support of our partners—local organizations, businesses, and individual donors who play a key role in helping us expand our reach and provide vital services. Through community collaborations, we can increase our impact and support more families in need.
Donations and Funding: A Lifeline for Equity
The generosity of our donors makes our services possible. Financial contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations allow us to continue providing programs and essential support to families in need. These donations are crucial in meeting the growing demand for assistance in our community.
Funds raised directly help cover the costs of:
✅ Housing
✅ Mental health support
✅ Substance abuse treatment
✅ Early childhood education
✅ And more
Every dollar donated directly impacts the lives of the women and children who rely on us. We invite you to join our mission to break down barriers and create lasting change.
Support Maryvale today: Visit our donation page
How You Can Get Involved
The need for services that support equity in our communities is greater than ever. At Maryvale, we invite you to be part of the solution. There are many ways to get involved, including donating, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about our work.
Breaking down barriers that prevent women and children from achieving stability is at the heart of Maryvale’s mission. Through community-based services, we address the unique needs of underserved families, helping them overcome challenges like housing instability, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.
With your support, we can continue to build a more equitable future for the families we serve. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission. Together, we can break the cycle of inequity and create lasting change for those who need it most.
Get Involved Today: Learn More
