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An Overview of MHM’s Commitment to Economic Mobility
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) seeks to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty by investing in and supporting crosscutting initiatives that address root causes of health inequities. Under its long-term strategic objective – Impact Systemic Change, the organization identifies economic mobility as a target initiative.
Intergenerational poverty can negatively affect several aspects of life for individuals, families, and communities, including:
- Life expectancy
- Chronic diseases
- Mental health
- Educational and employment opportunities
- Quality time with family and friends
- Being engaged in community and faith-based activities
MHM seeks to address barriers associated with intergenerational poverty through upward economic mobility. The initiative aims to promote financial prosperity, and independence by strengthening knowledge, behaviors, and opportunities through financial education, information, and mentoring– which can lead to better short- and long-term health outcomes:
- Improved health and wellbeing
- Better access to healthcare
- Nutritious food
- Improved community conditions
- Social connections
- Opportunities to thrive
- Safe housing
Those closest to the challenges have a unique vision of what health and well-being look like to them.
Vanessa Tobares, Director of Strategy & Impact at MHM
“MHM wants to ensure communities have what they need today and into the future. Those closest to the challenges have a unique vision of what health and well-being look like to them. We support the community’s influence as it can lead to long-term improvements in length and quality of life,” said Vanessa Tobares, Director of Strategy & Impact at MHM.
MHM considers several factors in its approach to upward economic mobility, “We think about the financial gains from one point in time to another, especially after a major life event, such as earning a credential or gaining employment with a living wage and across generations of families and communities.” However, the organization also recognizes the importance of autonomy and control, which enable individuals to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families—fostering a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to their communities fully and actively.
Building upon existing knowledge, assets, and strengths that exist across its 74-county service area, MHM explores several approaches at the individual, family, and community levels, including:
- Direct cash aid to individuals and families to supplement limited earnings.
- Mobility Mentoring, a family engagement approach in which mentors partner with low-income individuals and families. Using coaching and brain science, participants build skills for economic independence through goal setting, financial literacy, and capacity building—ultimately empowering them to become their own coaches.
- Supporting whole families through two-generational (2Gen) approaches and seeing outcomes for children and the multi-generational adults in their lives.
- Exploring potential opportunities with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) – mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to providing financial services to communities and populations that are underserved by traditional financial markets.
“The approaches that we are exploring are not only based on professional subject matter experts, but also on the ideas and knowledge shared with us during listening sessions with community members, community council members, and team members,” said Tobares.
MHM remains committed to disrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty and recognizes it must continue to explore approaches that contribute to prosperity. Tobares underscores the importance of partnerships with organizations and communities across the service area, as it allows for innovation and new opportunities. She shares, “We hope that long term, these approaches and partnerships will lead to better quality of life and extend length of life over time as well as everybody having what they need to be able to thrive.”
“It is about creating opportunities to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and communities.”
Sandra Martinez, Vice-President of Strategy & Impact
Sandra Martinez, Vice-President of Strategy & Impact at MHM adds, “”Economic mobility is not only about equipping individuals and families with tools and resources—it is about creating opportunities to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and communities. By shifting our mindsets about what it takes to live well and thrive, we can partner with communities to address systemic barriers and create new pathways to stability and upward mobility.”
