Funding fuels programming for Rosemary’s Babies in its new Holloway House and Resources Center
bi3 announced today it is awarding $100,000 to Rosemary’s Babies, a local organization helping teen parents become self-sufficient by providing a safe space, resources, education, and life skills. The funding will support the expansion of programming as the organization transitions to its new facility, the Holloway House and Resources Center.
Twelve thousand children are born yearly to teen parents in the TriState; 35% of teen parents in Hamilton County are homeless with their babies. Babies born to mothers under 20 years of age face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery and other adverse outcomes. Adolescent mothers are also more likely to experience poor health and other social and economic consequences such as dropping out of school and limited employment opportunities, which can impact their families’ current and long-term health.
To break these cycles, Rosemary’s Babies works with more than 200 clients each year, having served more than 1,200 families since its inception in 2013. In 2021, the organization celebrated several wins:
- 100% of parents had healthy pregnancies with an infant mortality rate of 0%
- 100% of parents enrolled in school, attended regularly, or received GED
- 100% of parents increased their ability to support their child’s development
- 100% of program participants gained access to appropriate healthcare, including mental healthcare
- 99.96% of teen parents reported no unintended repeat pregnancies.
“There is such a great need to support this population. We are overjoyed and excited to have the support and partnership of bi3. This facility as well as our program expansion will be instrumental in changing the outlook of young families in Greater Cincinnati,” Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, CEO/founder.
The new Holloway House and Resources Center in North Avondale will house all current Rosemary’s Babies operations, provide business and educational resources, and provide housing for up to seven teen moms and their babies. bi3 funding goes towards programming that prepares teen parents with life, personal and professional skills for families to reach their goals and assist with basic needs such as transportation and essentials for babies such as diapers, formula, and strollers.
“bi3 prioritizes health equity for our Greater Cincinnati moms and babies,” Jill Miller, President & CEO of bi3, said. “Supporting initiatives at Rosemary’s Babies’ new home means providing an essential resource to teen parents, a population which faces multiple challenges and poor health outcomes, including infant mortality.”
Since 2010, bi3 has awarded more than $86 million to TriHealth and community-based organizations to fund innovative ideas to transform health
