Supporting Families
Right From The Start
Supporting Families
Right From The Start
Supporting Families
Right From The Start
Supporting Families
Right From The Start
Supporting Families
Right From The Start
Program Overview
Healthy Families helps parents bring out the best in themselves by tapping into the skills they already have. Our partnership can begin as early as the first trimester of pregnancy and last until the child reaches school age.
Research shows Healthy Families works for many families, from first-time teen parents to families with other children. In-home support that is based on a family’s specific circumstances and needs can make all the difference. Families have healthier babies, demonstrate better knowledge of parenting and child development, create positive family bonds, develop connections to community resources, and have children who do better in school.
Healthy Families is always free of charge—and always voluntary.
58%
Communities that provide access to HFA see children become healthier and perform better in school, parents become more self-sufficient, and costs measurably decline.
70%
Reduction in pregnancy complications experienced by HFA mothers.
120%
Lower community services costs in one city compared to state over ten years.
The Benefits of Partnering with Us
Trusted Support
Families will always have “someone in their corner” to support them as they navigate the joys and struggles of being a parent.
Prenatal Support
When enrolled during pregnancy, families receive help in improving birth outcomes and building a strong foundation for parenthood. Parents are provided guidance on prenatal care, as well as information on what to do and expect during each stage of pregnancy.
Healthcare Assistance
Families are assisted with accessing physical and mental healthcare services, obtaining health insurance, and connecting with primary care providers for preventive, prenatal, and well-baby visits.
Child Development Resources
Parents receive all the information they need to know about milestones—like when their child should walk, talk, and be potty trained—and each step will be celebrated along the way.
Family Goal Planning
Home visitors and parents work together to set meaningful and attainable goals that are based on the family’s values, hopes, and dreams.
Referrals to Community Resources
Families receive referrals to medical providers, child development specialists, legal services, job placement services, education and training programs, and much more.
Relationship Building
Home visitors build strong bonds with families and teach parents how to develop strong and secure connections with their children. Ideas and activities for positive parent-child interactions will be shared and demonstrated for parents to practice.
Parent Support and Connections
Families are provided with opportunities to attend social and educational events. These events help parents connect with other parents of young children and share parenting experiences, successes, and challenges.
At A Glance
01
Who
Moms & Dads02
What
In-home parent support
03
Where
Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties
Are You Interested in Our Services?
Connect with Us
Anyone can make a referral to Healthy Families. In fact, you can even refer yourself to our program. We strive to talk with all expectant parents and parents of newborns in the communities we serve. Our goal is to identify strengths and challenges prenatally or at birth and provide appropriate information and referrals to help babies get off to a healthy start.
Meet with Us
Once a family becomes interested in receiving services, we will reach out to learn more about their current needs, and also explore their strengths. We’re all about relationships, and we may ask to meet so we have a chance to get to know the family better. After this conversation, we will recommend services for the family based on their needs—from home visiting to other community resources.
Partner with Us
Should home visiting services be recommended, we will work with families long-term. Families are offered ongoing support until the child is school age. Visits occur weekly at the start but decrease over time. Services are culturally respectful, and home visitors are chosen on the basis of their ability to establish trusting relationships with participating families.
Testimonials
Our Dedicated Team
Joe Paté
Director
Stephanie Gillette
Supervisor
Angela Wayte
Supervisor
Darby Eldridge
Supervisor
Karen Greene
Family Specialist
Michele Morgenstern
Family Specialist
Lindsey Morrow
Family Specialist
Elizabeth West
Family Specialist
Crystal DeWitt
Family Specialist
MacKenzie Lee
Family Specialist
Michaela Swiernik
Family Specialist
Michele Macaluso
Family Specialist