All parents face challenges while raising young children, and supportive guidance can make a meaningful difference along the way. You are capable of meeting these challenges, and Healthy Families is here to walk alongside you.
How and where are services provided:
Services are provided by trained home visitors who partner with parents to offer coaching, support, resources, and a trusted relationship. Visits can take place wherever parents feel most comfortable, including in their homes, schools, libraries, or other community locations.
Who is eligible:
Healthy Families of North Worcester County serves first-time parents who are 23 years of age or younger and are either pregnant or parenting a child under the age of one. Services are voluntary, confidential, and at are offered at no cost.
We proudly serve families who reside in the following North Worcester County communities:
Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon.
Healthy Families provides the following to our participating families:
- Pre-natal education and support
- Information on infant and child development
- Basics of baby care – sleeping, feeding, bathing, etc.
- Child and home safety
- Nutrition information for parents and child
- Parent support and education group activities
- Positive discipline techniques
- Child developmental screenings and assessments
- Toilet training information and support
- Information to help delay subsequent pregnancy
- Connections to community resources such as housing, education, WIC, DTA, Early Intervention, child care, etc. as needed/requested
The program is participant–driven; families choose their own goals and areas of interest or need. Each family has a Home Visitor assigned to them and they will develop a close working relationship over the years they spend together. Both young mothers and fathers are encouraged to participate in the program.
