StoneArch and its agency-of-record client Medela, Inc., have teamed up to support breastfeeding for low-income moms through Jeremiah Program, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming families from poverty to prosperity two generations at a time.
The origins of the partnership date back to 2015, while two employees were on maternity leave. Inspired by the Medela At Work initiative, StoneArch created a special pumping room (The Womb), which Medela outfitted with a multiuser, hospital-grade breast pump and accessories.
Through Medela Cares, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative, the partnership with StoneArch supports moms and babies through Jeremiah Program. Medela matched StoneArch’s gift of $3,500 to Jeremiah Program with more than $4,000 in hospital-grade breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies to meet the needs of more than 80 Jeremiah families.
According to StoneArch president Jessica Boden, partnering with Medela Cares was a natural fit. “Breast milk is unquestionably the healthiest food for babies, but socioeconomic barriers often make it difficult for low-income moms to breastfeed,” she said. “Through our work with Medela, we wanted to find a way to make breastfeeding accessible to more women in our community.”
“Nearly all Jeremiah residents who have been pregnant have expressed an interest in breastfeeding,” Meghan Redmond, Volunteer Manager for Jeremiah Program, said. “But because our moms are already balancing so much, they often quit in the first few weeks. Having Medela accessories and educational materials on hand will be a great help to us and the women we serve.”
Ellen Klahn-Grove, Jeremiah Program’s Family Services Manager, echoed that sentiment. “Our moms are already having a hard time navigating services, so having one less hurdle is a big deal,” she said. “Greater access will definitely increase the likelihood that more moms will try to breastfeed and be able to continue.”
“It is truly an honor to partner with both Medela and Jeremiah Program to help ensure moms have every opportunity to breastfeed their children despite other challenges,” Jennifer Mugnaini, Account Director at StoneArch, said. “As brand stewards for Medela, it’s so important that we support and live the brand and pay it forward in any way we can. This initiative helps us do just that.”
About Medela, Inc.
Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson and headquartered in Switzerland, Medela today is led by his son Michael Larsson. Medela concentrates on two business units: “Human Milk,” with basic research recognised globally and leading in the development and manufacture of breastfeeding products and solutions, and “Healthcare,” engineering and manufacturing highly innovative medical vacuum technology solutions. Medela has 18 subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, distributes its products in over 100 countries and employs over 1,600 staff worldwide. www.medela.com
About Medela At Work
The Medela At Work initiative is an online resource for moms and employers, offering information, tips and advice for moms returning to work and for those employers welcoming these moms back. Resources include interactive pump room recommendations and a library of resources for employers, as well as an interactive breast pump bag, state-by-state breastfeeding and pumping law primers, and printable plans for moms. www.medelaatwork.com
About Jeremiah Program
Since 1993, Jeremiah Program has been transforming families from poverty to prosperity. The organization provides the necessary support for low-income single mothers and their children to move into a life of economic independence: a supportive community for determined young women to pursue a career-track college education, quality early childhood education, safe and affordable housing, and empowerment and life skills training. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Jeremiah Program has offices in St. Paul, MN; Fargo, ND; Boston, MA; and Austin, TX. www.jeremiahprogram.org/