Programs - Healthy Families - Testimonials

A Letter from a Healthy Families Family
March 2008

I joined Healthy Families when my first child was born in 2003. Becoming a new parent for the first time was both exciting and terrifying. It brought a lot of changes I honestly wasn't prepared for. I counted the days until I would finally get to meet the little new life that was growing inside of me. But when she came out I found that I had a definite need for support and a sense of connection to the outside world. Suddenly my job was not limited to eight hours a day with weekends or days off. My role as a parent became twenty-four/seven and I found the transition to be difficult and at times overwhelming. Not every family is prepared for the changes that a baby brings, and every situation is unique.

Having no support from my spouse in parenting our child is not necessarily unique, but it left me grasping for support within the community when I wasn't receiving it at home. Instead of sharing the weight of responsibility, I was left to take it on alone. Having a visit from the Healthy Families worker became a weekly assurance and relief that I did have a connection to resources and aid when needed. This program enabled us to progress and improve our well-being as a family. I was able to monitor my child's development and celebrate her milestones, and realize that it was okay to enjoy these moments of her new life, even if this joy was not shared by my spouse.

If I had a question or concern about anything such as safety, finances, health or discipline, etc. then I knew that by the next visit I would have more information to view on the subject. The years have passed and I now have a second child. I have gone from fledgling to seasoned parent and I have discovered there are always new things to learn or areas which need further growth. Aside form learning ways to become a better mother to my children, I have also discovered ways to improve myself. I am much different now than I was when this journey of parenting began. I have gained confidence and perseverance, a lot of patience, and compassion as well. I have been given many ideas and tools on ways to improve myself as a person and as a mother. My goal is to be the best mother I can be and to make life enjoyable and secure for my little ones.

Healthy Families has been an important source of support, knowledge and is most definitely instrumental in strengthening the community one family at a time. I am grateful for the opportunity to be one of the long standing families in this program and I hope it continues to be available for other families just starting out on their new journey of being great parents.

Comments from the Home Visitor
March 2008

I had the pleasure of visiting this family for some time, and Mom had a baby boy last year. It was a wonderful experience to see the changes take place in both Mother and Daughter. Her daughter is a talkative, busy, intelligent child who obviously has had plenty of attention and direction from Mom.

I have seen Mom grow strong, confident, goal-oriented and determined to make a good life for herself and her family. Her parenting skills have developed greatly and her bond with her son is beautiful to see. She is a loving, capable mother who interacts in a positive, healthy way with her children. She has created a pleasant, bright, comfortable environment for her daughter and son by using her considerable artistic talents.

During the time we have visited, Mom has accomplished two years at college and plans to continue her education next fall in order to give her children a better future. She states that Healthy Families has given her the information and support she has needed to become a good mother and to raise her children in a healthy, happy home.

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For more information, please contact FSCA at 403-343-6400.