Casa de Mara Offers Hope to Vulnerable Pregnant Women, and New, Single Moms

The Providence Pregnancy Center has raised enough funds to open Casa de Maria in Scranton, a maternity home that offers vulnerable pregnant women, new, and single mothers a yearlong shelter to get back on their feet.

Located along the city bus route for easy access to other community resources, Casa de Maria offers mothers 18 and older a room, a shared kitchen, and laundry services.

The center is currently planning on expanding room spaces for more reach. 

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Philly Studies Public Transit for People with Learning Disabilities

In urban areas, public transportation can be vital to education, employment, and independent living for city residents.

However, crossing routes, difficult-to-hear announcements, overcrowding, and overstimulation create unique challenges for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities independently navigating transit systems.

Researchers at Temple University are spearheading a city study on the effectiveness of the Chance to Ride travel training program, a five-year initiative that will help peer-teach participants how to use public transportation systems. 



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A Montco Mom’s Mission to Fight Food Insecurity

Bauer’s Garden of Health Inc. is a nonprofit aimed at fighting food insecurity, with special attention towards special diets and allergies.

The volunteer-run organization has partnered with farms and warehouses to distribute more than 2.1 million pounds of food to various Montgomery County organizations last year.

According to data from Feeding America, approximately 74,000 people experience food insecurity in Montgomery County as of 2022, with most food-insecure residents having income too high to qualify for SNAP benefits. 

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Workforce Development Policy Trends in the US

Aging workforce population, artificial intelligence, climate change, and shifting socioeconomic environments have all effected national workforce development, which strives to boost opportunities via training and post-education experiences.

Structural challenges provide policymakers with the possibility of developing new and existing workforce policies to better address contemporary needs.

Brookings Research discusses recent trends in workforce development policy as well as current challenges. 



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Mental Health Policymaking with Research, Community Engagement

Many studies suggest that age, gender, race, and living environment are crucial factors to mental health, with disparities in mental health services between rural and marginalized communities and urban areas.

According to an international poll of over 80 organizations, working directly with local communities on mental health service development was one of the least endorsed activities.

The Stanford Social Innovation Review discusses why evidence-based research and community engagement are vital to developing effective policies for mental health. 



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Recognizing the (Un)Hidden Figures in AI

As artificial intelligence gains prominence in research and policy, a gender gap in recognizing the roles behind the AI movement has been identified.

Women have played important roles in the development of intellectual frameworks, technological models, language systems, and translations from operations to opportunities in the artificial intelligence field.

Brookings Research highlights leading women in the development of AI operations. 



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