On Friday, May 17, 2024, Healthy Families proudly celebrated the graduation of participants from their intensive home visiting program. This three-year home-visiting program strengthens family bonds, promotes child development, and fosters healthy relationships, which are essential for overall well-being.

Healthy Families, part of Healthy Families America, is a free program available to prenatal or pregnant families and those with infants up to three months old. Families are connected with Family Support Specialist (FSSs) who visit them in-person up to four times a month. These visits help families navigate social services, healthcare resources, early education, and childhood development opportunities, as well as financial resources, while promoting positive parenting practices.

Marisol Carmona, one of our dedicated FSSs, celebrated the graduation of several families she supported. One graduate shared, “We met when I was pregnant, before I was a mom. She [Marisol] taught me how to be a mom.”

This graduation is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our participants. We are incredibly proud to share some of their remarkable achievements:

• Homeownership Success: One family achieved their long-term goal of purchasing a home. This milestone represents not only financial stability but also a safe and secure environment for their children to grow up in.
• Independence on the Road: Another mom reached her goal of obtaining her driver’s license and purchasing a car. This newfound independence will allow her to better support her family by providing reliable transportation for work, school, and daily activities.

Healthy Families is more than just a program; it's a lifeline for families seeking support and guidance. Over three years, FSSs provide personalized assistance to help families navigate support resources, and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Self-sufficiency is a crucial aspect of our program. Family Support Workers assist families in setting and achieving personal goals, whether it’s furthering their education, securing stable employment, or enhancing financial literacy. Many of the mothers in attendance are pursuing their education and plan to continue doing so, using the lessons they've learned to support themselves and their families. Our staff offers resources and support to help families overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these successes, we are reminded of the positive impact that a supportive community can have on individual lives. Healthy Families will continue to offer support to families, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. We are excited to see what the future holds for our graduates and look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the years to come! For more information about Healthy Families, please visit the Healthy Families website page or contact Healthy Families Program Manager Lynda Cuevas at lcuevas@cjfhc.org.

 Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community, one family at a time.