B'more Beginnings
Embark on your parenting journey with B'more Beginnings, your temporary guide that can connect you with the resources and support you need to be the best parent you can be.
Like a compassionate and wise family member, our program offers warmth and support, connecting parents with essential services and expanding their social safety net.
Connecting to Essential Services
There are a lot of resources available in Baltimore City that can help people who are pregnant or caring for a baby (3 years old or younger) navigate all of those services. B'more Beginnings can help you to learn about what is out there and what might work best for you and your life.
Your path to parenting resources is guided by staff at HealthCare Access Maryland. While your care coordinator will not be with you throughout your journey, they will introduce you to the people and the services that will.
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Some of the many examples of what care coordination can refer you to include...
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Health Benefit Navigation
Prenatal Education
Food Resources
(WIC and SNAP)
Mental Wellness Support
Home Visiting
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Crib Program
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What Parents in Baltimore Say About B'more Beginnings
Each year, B'more Beginnings provides outreach and care coordination services to over 12,000 Baltimore City residents. Here's what some of them have to say about B'more Beginnings and our Guides.
Trust and Comfort
She was incredibly understanding, patiently guiding me through everything, even with my kids running around in the background. No matter how many times I needed something repeated, she never showed irritation. Plus, she reassured me that whatever I shared was confidential and I could skip any question I wasn't comfortable with. I always felt like there was someone I could talk to, whether on the phone or at my door, creating a very comfortable space.
Respect and Non-Judgment
She respected my personal decisions regarding my children, which was reassuring. Even if my choices didn't align with all the information she provided, she reinforced that they were mine to make as a parent. I felt heard and understood. Despite feeling embarrassed about my appearance and age, I appreciated that she didn't judge me or assume things about my marital status. It made me feel more comfortable opening up.
Personalization
I appreciated how my care coordinator went above and beyond to find resources I didn't even know existed. Their proactive approach, like sending helpful emails during my pregnancy, was incredibly supportive. Even when my inquiries were outside their usual scope, they guided me to the right resources. What stood out was their willingness to share personal experiences, making their advice relatable and trustworthy. They didn't just provide information; they showed genuine care and investment, making the process feel accessible and manageable.
What to Expect with B'more Beginnings
Care coordination is a service offered for free that you can refer yourself into. Explore the section below to learn what to expect and to see the answer to common questions.
The type of information you will be asked for includes your name, address, date of birth, type of insurance, and reason for completing the form.
The type of information you will be asked for includes your name, address, date of birth, type of insurance, and reason for completing the form.
Step 1: Complete the self-referral form
What’s happening behind the scenes (between steps 1 and 2)—5-20 days
Once someone submits a form, a team at HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) reviews the information from a database and assigns it to a Guide within 2-4 days. The initial contact with the client usually happens within 24 to 48 hours.
The type of information you will be asked for includes your name, address, date of birth, type of insurance, and reason for completing the form.
The coordinator assigned to your case will contact you using a 410 or 443 number. If they can't reach you, they'll try email or contact the emergency contact if available. During the call, they'll explain the privacy policy verbally and send it by email, and they'll also assess your service needs.
Step 2: A Guide will contact you and talk to you about health care and community resources for you and your baby
What’s happening behind the scenes (between steps 2 and 3)—5 days
You will speak to the Guide at least once, but sometimes more than once if needed. If you do not have all the needed information, you will be able to call your Guide back.
The type of information you will be asked for includes your name, address, date of birth, type of insurance, and reason for completing the form.
Based on your assessment, the care coordinator will identify services that fit your needs. They will refer you to those services. The timing of referrals can vary.
Step 3: Guide connects you to essential services
What’s happening behind the scenes (after step 3)—10-45 days
The time it takes for your Guide to finish referrals can vary. Services like WIC or Home Visiting will follow up with you directly. You can always ask your Guide to make more referrals.