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NurturePA's Theory of Change
Our Core Belief
NurturePA invests in mothers because research indicates that supporting maternal wellbeing is one of the most direct ways to support healthy child development (Werchan et al., UC Irvine, 2026). By strengthening mothers through peer connection, information, and community during pregnancy through age 5, we help create the conditions for children to thrive: physically, emotionally, and developmentally.
Mom-level theory of change (proximate beneficiary)
PROBLEM/NEED
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Mothers face isolation, stress & limited support during the most demanding years of parenting
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Postpartum depression affects 1 in 5 mothers
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Low-income & first-time mothers often lack a trusted peer network
INTERVENTION
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Free, text-based peer mentoring by trained volunteer moms
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Available from pregnancy through child’s 5th birthday
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Grounded in Strengthening Families Protective Factors framework and ACEs/PACEs training
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Accessible via any cell phone, no app or data plan required
INTENDED OUTCOME
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Moms feel less alone and more connected
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Increased confidence in parenting role
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Reduced stress and improved mental health
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Greater access to information and community resources
Child-level theory of change (ultimate beneficiary)
PROBLEM/NEED
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Adverse early childhood experiences limit development, health & lifelong outcomes
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Brain development is most rapid — and most vulnerable — in the first five years
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A child’s environment is shaped almost entirely by their caregiver
INTERVENTION
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A supported, confident, and less-stressed mom provides a warmer, more responsive caregiving environment
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Mom-level outcomes (connection, confidence, information) translate directly into child-level outcomes
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NurturePA cannot reach children directly — the mother is the intervention point
INTENDED OUTCOME
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Children experience more responsive, nurturing caregiving
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Stronger early attachment and social-emotional development
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Better health outcomes: preventive care, developmental milestones
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A healthier, stronger start in life
The Mentor Dimension
MENTORS AS BENEFICIARES
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Today’s participant can become tomorrow’s mentor
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Mentoring builds confidence, leadership and communication skills
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Mentors gain a sense of purpose and civic connection
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Strengthens the mentor’s own support network through connections to other mentors
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Relevant to workforce development funding narratives
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY MODEL
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A self-renewing pipeline: participants become mentors over time
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Reduces dependency on external volunteer recruitment
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Grows organic community ownership of the program
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Demonstrates real-world impact to both program graduates and new participants
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Strengthens the case for long-term funder investment
To Summarize
IF NurturePA has trained peer mom mentors, a text-based platform, and sustained funding,
THEN we can recruit, train, and match mentors with mothers;
THEN mothers will experience increased connection, confidence, and access to information;
THEN they will develop stronger support networks and better health-seeking behaviors;
THEN over time, maternal and infant health outcomes will improve, depression rates will decline, families will be stronger, and children will have a healthier start in life.