INDIANAPOLIS — A not-for-profit organization that's been around for decades says their adoption and family services are more in demand now than ever before.
The Villages Foster Care runs theHealthy Families program, which pairs parents with a family support worker.
The program aims to start working with families prenatally and can stay with them through the child’s 5th birthday.
“It’s a load off. It’s like a support system outside of your family," Nikeyah Malone said. “If I wasn’t in Healthy Families, mentally I don’t think I would’ve made it this far.”
Nikeyah and her one-year-old son Kadin, who has chronic heart disease, are part of the free, voluntary program. Together with support worker Sarah Gray, the group navigates the ups and downs of parenthood.
"I really want moms and families to feel empowered. Some of them don’t know it’s already in them and they just need someone to come in and point the obvious," Gray said.
700 families are currently enrolled in the program across eight counties.
“This is one of Indiana’s best kept secrets. People don’t realize this program is out here and it’s been here for almost 30 years," Nancy Gwin, senior director of prevention and education for The Villages, said. "We have to turn families away because we don’t have enough room. There is a huge need for programs like this.”
The Villages Healthy Families program is geared towards those living at or below the poverty line.
Family support workers meet with participants through home visits either weekly, bimonthly or monthly.
While the focus is on first time parents, the program is open to helping parents they’ve worked with previously.
To learn more about Healthy Families and connect with The Villages, click here.
-
Still here, still healing: Through the eyes of survivors and advocates
One year after surviving gun violence, Larissa Smith reflects on her recovery with the support of a groundbreaking hospital-based program that offers therapy, resources, and community connections.
Former IU alumni presidents condemn legislation on board appointments
More than two dozen former alumni association presidents signed the letter expressing their disappointment in a move ending rights to elect members to the IU board of trustees.
Governor Braun marks 100 days in office, highlights key priorities
The governor described his first 100 days as productive. He claimed that the legislative session dealt with this policy issue effectively, at least for the time being.
Ivy Tech cancels free summer program for high school students
Ivy Tech announced it is discontinuing its free summer school program due to "a challenging fiscal environment that is impacting all public higher education institutions in Indiana."
