Maggie Bradford serves as a community resource connector with the Stark County THRIVE program.
She has worked in the public sector, giving back to the community for over two decades.
Bradford, 48, lives in Canton.
“I attended McKinley High School and Stark State College and for degrees in graphic design, photography, web design, and medical assisting,” she said. “I have worked in public service for over 25 years, including Stark Metro Housing Authority for 17 years, Canton City Schools for five years, and I’m in my second year with THRIVE. Being a public servant and giving back to the community that I live in is my life’s work, especially when it comes to working with families. It is personal for me.
“I feel like this role at Stark County THRIVE was made for me. I have a unique understanding of some of the barriers and disparities my clients experience. I experienced some of the same barriers as a young mother. As the community resource connector, my role focuses on outreach, education and connection to services and resources.”
In 2013, Stark County was identified as one of nine communities in Ohio with the highest racial disparities in birth outcomes.
Stark County THRIVE (Toward Health Resiliency for Infant Vitality and Equity) is managed by Canton City Public Health, as the majority of families impacted by the disparities reside in the city limits. The program uses data to monitor and evaluate the progress of the various interventions implemented by community partners to improve birth outcomes.
Maggie Bradford serves as a community resource connector with the Stark County THRIVE program, helping promote healthy birth outcomes.
What are a few of your favorite thoughts about your current position?
The work that we do at THRIVE is important. It is focused on reducing the disparities in birth outcomes so that all babies thrive.
I really enjoy the relationships that I make with my families. In some cases, my clients are young enough to be my child and other cases they’re closer to my siblings’ ages. Each relationship is uniquely different.
I always melt when my clients give birth and send me pictures of their new babies. I love sharing those moments with them. I want every family to have a healthy birth outcome so that they can send me pictures.
The fact that they trust me enough to think of me and text me a picture makes me think I am doing something right. In some cases, the pictures are sent long after my services end.
Healthy babies and healthy families create healthy communities that thrive.
What would your perfect day be like?
Any moment I can spend with my adult children is a perfect day. Adding a beach to that day would make it even better.
Where did you go on the best shopping trip you have ever had?
I’m not really a shopper, but I will say shopping with my daughter is both invigorating and exhausting. I love the quality time spent together. She prefers outlet mall shopping. My best shopping trips usually land me at home improvement stores.
Would you share two talents or skills you wish you had?
Gardening. Growing as much of your own food is invaluable.
I would like to be better skilled in carpentry work. I’ve done some carpentry work, but I am far from skilled. It’s definitely a skill that would help with all of my DIY projects.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
My children. They are amazing human beings who are empathetic, compassionate and care about doing good in the world.
Editor’s note: Five questions with … is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you’d like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.
Maggie Bradford serves as a community resource connector with the Stark County THRIVE program, helping promote healthy birth outcomes.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 5 questions with Maggie Bradford of Stark County THRIVE