The Steelcase Foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan has announced the launch of a 10-year, $10 million research and policy initiative to address the long-term needs of underserved families in western Michigan.

In partnership with DataWise Consulting, an area research company, the Investment in Families Initiative will establish a longitudinal study of 30 African American and Latinx families in Kent County—all with children currently aged 12 and under—to learn how these families interact with existing public policies and systems as their children navigate early childhood through high school. As part of the study’s design, the mothers in each family will serve as participants as well as strategic partners, co-designing the cohort experience and providing expertise unique to their families. By placing the voices of families, particularly mothers, at the center of the study, the foundation will work to identify more quickly any opportunities to improve each family’s circumstances.

In addition, the foundation aims to leverage learning from the initiative to benefit families across Michigan with the long-term goal of applying that knowledge in communities across the country. To that end, the foundation, the cohort members, and community partners, will work to identify specific policies and behaviors to change and then to advocate for those changes.

“If the Investment in Families Initiative succeeds, we will disrupt and improve systems and policies that currently harm mothers and families,” said Stacy Stout, the foundation’s recently named director of family-centered philanthropy. “Through our partnership with DataWise, we intend to expand ‘breathing room’ for mothers that bear an immense mental load while working to improve their families’ economic stability and overall well-being.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Raul Rodriguez)