This program really is a blessing...it’s just freedom.

OUR IMPACT

Cash Given

$0

As of March 19, 2025

What Participants Are Saying

  • “This program really has blessed me...not only can I get gas, but I can get stuff for a new baby girl. I can get other things for the house. I can get food when my food stamps run out.”

  • “To know that the $1,000 is even still going to come after the baby is here...even though I'm stressing about the surgery, I'm not stressing financially.”

  • “My kids now have space...not a forever home, but... a step up.”

Who is Receiving Philly Joy Bank?

Referrals to Support Services

Click each box for more information on the service.

Evaluation Team

The evaluation is led by evaluators from Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health and is co-designed with our community advisory board, which includes 5 Lived Experience Experts. The evaluation will be done in partnership with Drexel’s community evaluators and the Lived Experience Experts.

Elizabeth Valdez, PhD, MPH

Co-principal Investigator

Ali Groves, PhD, MHS

Co-principal Investigator

Christina Brown

Community Evaluator

Erikka Gilliam, MS, MPH

Senior Data Manager

Rita Nelson

Community Evaluator

Nora Lee, PhD

Co-Investigator

Hyden Terrell

Community Evaluator

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The evaluation will help us understand how extra cash during and after pregnancy impacts birthing people and their babies. We hope that results from this evaluation study can be used to expand the program for other birthing people in Philly and beyond.

  • Participation in the evaluation study is optional.

  • You can participate in the evaluation study if you are eligible for the lottery, even if you are not selected to receive the cash. Participating in the evaluation does not affect your chance of being selected by the lottery.

  • The evaluation team will conduct surveys and use storytelling methods to evaluate the impact of the Philly Joy Bank. Participants will be compensated for participating in the evaluation study.

  • You can contact us at impact@evalphillyjoybank.org or by phone at (302) 307-6857.

    You will also hear from our community evaluators (via text or phone call) when you submit your application to the PJB lottery. Again, participating in the evaluation is optional and does not affect your chance of being selected by the lottery.