COMMUNITY SERVICE
|
It Takes a Village is a free-of-charge community service that supports
families for the first three months after a baby is born. A family is
matched with a volunteer who visits the family home on a weekly basis,
providing support with anything from meal preparation and
dishwashing, to companionship and playing with older children.
The Village is modeled after 'Many Mothers' in Santa Fe. We are based in
the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts and dedicate our service to the
memory of Heather Egan, who gave her own life bringing a new one into
the world. Visit It Takes a Village website for more info: www.itavillage.info
|
|
|
Healthy Families Hampshire County is a free, voluntary program
for all first-time moms and dads under the age of 21. The program
provides home visiting services to support nurturing parenting for
children up to the age of three. HealthyFamilies assists parents not only
in learning about their child's growth and development but also in
setting and achieving their own future goals. In addition,the program
offers Parent Groups for moms and dads, Play Groups and family
events throughout the year.
Visit Healthy Families website for more info: http://www.cafshc.org
(Left: Trinity plays at Amajoy's Healthy Family Infant Movment Group) |
"We are thrilled that the Amajoy Developmental Movement Center is
working together with Healthy Families of
Hampshire County. This collaboration,
a community supported project, provides our parents with a unique and
important perspective for understanding their child’s development. Director
Lenore Grubinger’s innovative
approach
teaches our clients and care providers about the connection between a baby’s
movement, his or her
brain development, and learning, in ways that typically
are not available through other approaches. The special
way that Lenore works with families is through a strength-based perspective
rather than a deficit model, so that
parents leave with new tools to help
their children. She communicates her suggestions for promoting optimal brain
and physical development in ways that are accessible and exciting."
—Gail Fries, Director
Parent Programs, Healthy Families of Hampshire County
"Linda and I both thought the infant movement group went really well. It was especially nice that Nicole,
Jasmine, and their babies got so much individual attention. I think it was a beneficial experience for all of
us seeing Lenore and Nicole go through all the possible ways you could think of to make Madison more comfortable.
It's nice and validating to see first-hand all the problem solving that's involved in soothing a baby and to be in a
supportive environment. It's hard work! Also I thought that it was nice for both the participants to discuss and hear
each other's different opinions on parenting issues. The groups create such a comfortable space that it's easy to soak
up the new information and ponder others' opinions.
 |
It helps me so much to be able to come to a group or to
bring a participant to one of your weekly classes. I'm
reminded each time of ways I can support moms as they
support their babies' growth and movement. It's also so
helpful to learn new language and ways to encourage
the parents I work with."
-Liz Davis, Healthy Families Home Visitor
(Right: Liz Davis with Healthy Families Participant) |
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION:
Help us to help young, low income families have access to this work. We thank you for your tax-deductible
donationwhich allows young mothers served by Healthy Families Hampshire County to attend Amajoy Classes.
Please earmark your check made out to Artistic Potential Enterprises
Amajoy Healthy Families Project
Send contributions to:
Artistic Potential Enterprises
150 Main St, third fl.
Northampton, MA 01060
Thank you for your support!
|
