Thriving does not mean having it all together. It means knowing that your health, your money, your work, and your peace of mind all matter, and that help exists for each one. This guide pulls together official DC resources for every part of a mom’s life, with notes on where to start. Take what you need today and save the rest for later.
Your Health
Health coverage. DC Healthy Families provides free health insurance to DC residents who meet income and citizenship or immigration requirements for DC Medicaid. According to the Department of Health Care Finance, it covers doctor visits, vision and dental care, prescriptions, hospital stays, and transportation to appointments, with special programs for newborn babies and for children with special health care needs. The same office explains how to apply.
Food and nutrition. WIC supports pregnant women, new moms, infants, and young children. DC Health lists the steps and what to bring on its Apply for WIC page, or call 202-442-9397. For food, cash, and medical benefits, the Department of Human Services has an app called District Direct where you can apply and send in documents.
Your Mind and Heart
Many moms carry a lot in silence. If you are struggling, please reach out. The DC Department of Behavioral Health’s Access HelpLine at 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to its services, and the DBH directory lists it as a 24/7 line. If you or someone you love is in danger, call 911.
You may also find comfort in a mom’s honest story: read Overcoming PPD, and 5 realistic coping strategies for the overwhelmed parent.
Your Work and Family Time
DC’s Paid Family Leave program provides benefits to employees who are out on leave from work to bond with a new child, among other reasons. See the Office of Paid Family Leave for how to apply. Our moms wrote more in New Paid Family Leave Law in D.C. and Advocating for Yourself. Trying to balance it all? Try Balancing Act.
Your Money
Financially Fit DC is a free online tool. A short quiz builds a personalized action plan with videos and activities to help you set a goal, build a budget, or pay off debt. Start at the DC Front Door page. For tips from other moms, see Smart Money Moves.
Your Kids’ Early Years
Strong Start offers free early intervention services for eligible children from birth to age 3. Anyone can ask about a concern at eip.osse.dc.gov or by calling (202) 727-3665 (source). Help Me Grow DC is a free helpline for parents of children ages 0 to 5. Start at helpmegrow.dc.gov.
You Are More Than “Mom”
Last, give yourself permission to be a person, too. Read Reclaiming Your Identity Outside of “Mom”. And when you are ready to find your neighbors and your people, our Welcome Home guide and our guide to all eight DC wards are good next steps.
A note on accuracy: programs, eligibility, and phone numbers change. We link to official DC sources so you can check the latest before you apply.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
