Healthy Family Partnership Fund

A new baby brings both joy and change—excitement and even a little concern.  Whether she be a new mom with questions about what it will be like to give birth and care for a newborn; or an experienced mom wondering how this is new addition will impact her life and family---all moms deserve support and encouragement, someone to talk to, someone answer all questions and ease their minds.   

Healthy Family Partnership strives to make this time as easy and worry-free as possible.  A personal Nurse from Healthy Family Partnership provides the support, advice, information and resources mothers need during pregnancy and after baby arrives.

Laney* had just graduated from high school when she discovered she was pregnant.  Her post-graduation plans to go into the military changed immediately.  She admits she was confused. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. Everything was changing so fast!” 

Laney had a difficult childhood, bouncing in and out of foster care as her mother worked on her own challenges. “When I found out I was having a baby, I was so scared!” she said. “I had no idea how to be a mom.”  With her own troubles, Laney’s mom was not a reliable support system for her.

Laney’s doctor connected her to Healthy Family Partnership, a free resource for pregnant and parenting women in Wyoming and Sullivan Counties.  There, Laney met Nurse Marianne who became Laney’s lifeline.  Using the evidence-based Nurse-Family Partnership program, Marianne provided information on having a healthy pregnancy, what to expect in childbirth, information on breastfeeding and how to care for little Jonah when he arrived.  She answered all Laney’s questions, giving her the information she needed to make the best decisions for herself and Jonah. 

“Marianne was the one person in my life I could tell everything to with no judgment,” Laney said.  One of the most important things a Nurse-Family Partnership Nurse does is listen!  Marianne listened to Laney’s hopes and dreams for herself and her son; listened to her worries and concerns over what the future would hold for them.  Marianne was the empathetic, caring person Laney needed when others dismissed her.  “Marianne was so supportive as I figured out new plans for my future.” she recalled.  Believing in Laney even when Laney didn’t, Marianne encouraged her to pursue her dream of helping others by becoming a CNA. “You’ve got this!” she told Laney.  Laney completed her CNA training and found a job where she could support herself and Jonah. 

With Nurse Marianne’s support, guidance and encouragement, Laney and Jonah thrived.  Laney continued her education, married, bought a home and recently had another baby boy--Jacob.  “This program is awesome! I recommend it to everyone!”

Healthy Family Partnership has been providing the evidence-based Nurse-Family Partnership program for over 25 years. Your donation will help to fund the expansion of services to include maternal mental health counseling for mother experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety.

*name changed