Supporting families, right from the start
Welcome to Healthy Families Jefferson/Lewis & St. Lawrence! We are a free, voluntary program designed to support you and your family. Parenting can be tough — we’re here to help you every step of the way. To get started, give us a call today.
Program Overview
Healthy Families is a program designed to support families and caregivers in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. We understand that parenting can be stressful, and many families face challenges along the way. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a little extra support, we’re here for you! Our team can help connect you with community resources, offer practical advice, and help you problem-solve, all while focusing on what matters most to you and your family.
At the heart of our program is building strong, nurturing relationships between parents and children. We work alongside you to help create the kind of relationship that helps your child feel safe, loved, and supported. If you are seeking guidance, want help accessing resources, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to walk with you on your parenting journey, ensuring that your family has the support it needs to thrive.
Healthy Families is always free of charge—and always voluntary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this for?
This program is for helping families and caregivers in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
What do you mean by “family”?
We primarily use the terms “parent” and “family” throughout this site. We believe “family” is whoever you say it is—and whatever your role in the family, you are important. The term “parent” will resonate with some and may not feel like it fits for others. Please know we mean it inclusively. It is everyone who is doing the important work of loving, nurturing, and caring for children—which includes all types of aunties, grandpas, caregivers, family friends, and more.
What happens during a home visit?
Home visits are usually about an hour, and usually are at your home. But sometimes we might meet up in a park, or another place that feels comfortable for you. What we talk about and what we do on the home visits is really led by you.
We’ll start with your expertise, your curiosities, and your questions.
You are the expert on your family. You’re with them constantly, seeing every little change in your child. And we’ll build off of that expertise—the things you notice and the things you are curious about!
If you’re having a hard day, we’ll sit with you in that moment.
Many parents experience a great deal of stress, often caused by different challenges. This stress can come from lacking access to necessities like food, clothing, or stable housing. Sometimes, it’s related to health issues or concerns. Other times, it’s simply the pressure of being a new parent without support. Remember, you’re not alone. If there’s anything we can do to help—whether it’s connecting you with community resources or assisting with problem-solving—we’re here for you.
We’ll focus on the relationships between you and your children.
All of the little moments between you and your child add up over time and tell us about the quality of the relationship that is developing. We will support you in building a nurturing relationship with your child, the kind of relationship that makes a child feel safe and comforted.
We’ll support the dreams and goals you have for your family.
You have some ideas about the kind of parent you want to be, the kind of family culture you want to create, and the kind of life you’ll all live together. We’re here to support you on your journey – wherever YOU decide that will lead.
How do I get connected to Healthy Families Program?
You can start the conversation by calling us at 315-788-8533 Ext 221 or, if you want to fast-track the process, complete our survey.
Helping You Strengthen and Grow Your Family
Answers and Support
You will always have someone in your corner to give you support as you navigate the joys and struggles of being a parent. We are here as your partner to work together through your parenting journey.
Parental Support
When enrolled during pregnancy, you receive help in improving birth outcomes and building a strong foundation for parenthood. We’ll help provide guidance on prenatal care and how to navigate each stage of pregnancy.
Health and Safety Information
Get help finding medical providers, like a doctor or dentist. We’ll help you access physical and mental healthcare services, obtain health insurance, and connect with primary care providers.
Parenting Information
You will receive all the information you need to know about your baby from pregnancy through age 5, with each milestone celebrated along the way.
Setting Milestones
See how your child is growing and reaching milestones along the way. We’ll help you set meaningful and achievable goals for your child, reflecting your family’s values, hopes, and dreams.
Community Resources
Get connected to services and people that can help you reach your goals. We’ll help with referrals to child development specialists, legal services, education and training programs, job placement services, and much more.
Relationship Building
We’ll help you build a strong, secure connection with your child. We’ll share ideas and practice fun activities for positive parent-child relationship building.
Parent Support and Connections
You are provided with opportunities to attend social and educational events. These events help parents connect with other parents of young children and share experiences, successes, and challenges.
Ready to Get Started?
To get started, take a moment to complete our survey. Once submitted, we will reach out to discuss available resources and answer any questions you might have.
Know Someone?
If someone you know could benefit from the Healthy Families program, we’d love to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. We are here to answer questions and offer support.
Testimonials
“As a young parent with family not in this area, it is very helpful to have someone who knows many of the resources and options in the community and best way to contact and use those resources. It’s also comforting to have someone who will listen and not judge and help guide.”
– Healthy Families Participant
“Everyone needs someone to talk to. Being a parent is the hardest job u will ever have in life especially if u do it on your own. having a community of ppl that u can reach out to that offer advice or help in anyway i find is so comforting and relieving. it helps take some stress of my shoulder of the many things i need to do or get. it’s been a very big blessing for our family.”
– Healthy Families Participant
“If you’re ever unsure of your parenting or the state of your family, relationship, or even unsure of yourself you should definitely give healthy families. They’re here to help everyone in the family no matter how small or big the problem.”
– Healthy Families Participant
“Healthy Families is a good way to discover new things about being a parent and asking for help when needed. They provide the things you need for your child. They help you grow as a family and eventually become family.”
Healthy Families Participant
“Es bueno y te ayuda a mejor la coneccion con tu hijo, aprendes sobre su crecimiento.”
Healthy Families Participant
“I do recomend them to everyone I see they are great on helping you keep track of your child development and help find other ways to get them to interact and learn new subjects also you guys are so helpful in those time a family may be tight financially in providing with w.e is available for home care and for that Thank you guys it is highly appreciated it.”
Healthy Families Participant
“It’s someone to listen without judgement and to extend a helping hand and reassurance when parenthood gets rough.”
Healthy Families Participant
“Healthy families is a place to go to if you ever feel like you’re getting depressed or in need of things and need a better support system. They help you with diapers and wipes and some things you need, they also help out with child health and better parenting styles.”
Healthy Families Participant
“It’s a good support system helpful for getting resources and advice.”
Healthy Families Participant
“As a young parent with family not in this area, it is very helpful to have someone who knows many of the resources and options in the community and best way to contact and use those resources. It’s also comforting to have someone who will listen and not judge and help guide.”
Healthy Families Participant
“Everyone needs someone to talk to. Being a parent is the hardest job u will ever have in life especially if u do it on your own. having a community of ppl that u can reach out to that offer advice or help in anyway i find is so comforting and relieving. it helps take some stress of my shoulder of the many things i need to do or get. it’s been a very big blessing for our family.”
Healthy Families Participant
Healthy Families Staff
Joe Paté
Director
Darby Eldridge
Supervisor
Lindsey Morrow
Supervisor
Stephanie Gillette
Supervisor
Elizabeth West
Family Specialist
Haeley Austin
Family Specialist
Hillary Gonzalez
Family Specialist
Jamie Ballard
Family Specialist
Lena Mather
Family Specialist
MacKenzie Lee
Family Specialist
Michele Morgenstern
Family Specialist
Tonia McCarty
Family Specialist
Information for Providers
As a healthcare or social services provider, you play a vital role in connecting families with the resources they need. If you know a family who could benefit from our free services, please take a moment to make a referral today.
48%
Fewer infants are born at low birthweight.
70%
Reduction in pregnancy complications experienced by HFA mothers.
26%
Fewer children receive special education services.