Many Hands recently checked in with the Healthy Babies Project (HBP), a two time Many Hands grantee. In 2020 Healthy Babies received a partner grant of $13,000. In 2024 Many Hands again provided a partner grant to HPB. Thanks to the generous support of our members, the 2024 grant was $69,000. 

The Healthy Babies Project empowers DC youth to build healthy, stable lives by offering: life skills training to prevent youth pregnancy; case management and peer support to nurture healthy families; and job readiness and advocacy so they can move out of poverty.

In 2024 HBP set an ambitious goal expanding its housing capacity through a major renovation to provide long term housing (12-24 months) and wrap around services. According to Executive Director Regine Elie, it proved more challenging than anticipated. “During the permitting process, we encountered an unexpected challenge—our entire building had to be demolished. We remained committed to our vision, ensuring that our new space would be built on a strong and sustainable foundation.”

Though the journey was not easy, HBP continued to excel at what it does best: supporting survivors of abuse, encouraging educational successes, helping families achieve economic stability, and fostering healthy pregnancies and deliveries. See Healthy Babies Project by the Numbers for more information below.

Regine credits Many Hands and other supporters with their success. The facility will soon be completed. “We could not have done this without Many Hands, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with our supporters at the finish line.”

Changing Lives: Nia’s Story

Statistics tell only part of the story. HBP support runs deep. Nia came to the Healthy Babies Project at 16 years old and pregnant. Her family had been evicted, leaving her homeless and sleeping outside. She temporarily stayed with her child’s father, but he was abusive. One night, the abuse escalated and in the chaos, her son was also injured. That night, she called her Family Support Worker (FSW), and the very next day, she moved into housing provided by HBP, Perennial House.

Nia worked with her FSW to find long-term housing, saving and staying focused on her goals. She earned her GED and secured stable housing. Today, her children are healthy, and she is financially independent. 

Yet, life brought another challenge—she is now battling cancer and recovering from an apartment fire.

HBP supports Nia, and women like her, through crisis and triumph. “As we near the completion of our new building and expand our programs, our commitment to serving mothers, children, and youth remains stronger than ever” says Regine. The Healthy Babies Project is building more than just walls—we are creating a future where families have stability, support, and the tools to thrive.”

Empowering Families: Healthy Babies Project 2024 Impact by the Numbers

Supporting Survivors of Abuse

  • 9 parents experienced abuse this year.
  • By year’s end, 6 parents left or escaped their abusive relationships.
  • Our holistic therapy sessions and life skills classes with FSWs emphasize the importance of healthy relationships in all aspects of life—home, work, and friendships.

Educational Success

  • 5 mothers who lived at Muriel House or were case-managed are currently enrolled in college, attending schools such as University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and American University.
  • 2 mothers graduated high school and began college this year.

Career & Economic Stability

  • 25 families who resided in the Muriel House Program secured jobs in 2024, working closely with the HBP team on resume writing, job searches, and soft skills development.
  • Of the families we case-managed, 26 mothers entered the program homeless or transient. By the end of the year, 21 had secured stable housing—either with family or in their own homes.

Healthy Pregnancies & Deliveries

  • 9 mothers delivered healthy babies this year after working closely with FSWs to prepare for a safe and healthy childbirth experience.

Life Empowerment Program (LEP): Investing in Youth

This year, we served over 300 students in our Life Empowerment Program (LEP), equipping them with essential skills in life planning, healthy relationships, pregnancy prevention, and career or college readiness.

  • 34 students reported being sexually active. Of those:
    • 27 stated they used condoms correctly and consistently.
    • 21 reported using birth control or having a partner who does.
  • 58.6% of youth in unhealthy relationships transitioned to healthier relationships or began practicing positive relationship behaviors.
  • 49% of students expressed a desire to pursue college or higher education.

55% of youth expressed interest in an internship or career pathway program, but only 34.2% successfully applied or were accepted.