Family Testimonials

“I was kicked out and homeless at 18. I didn’t really have a set of reliable parents. There was always chaos for me; I didn’t want my baby to go through any of that. So we moved and got a house. Then, the baby came, and it was a surprise. I lost my good job because of issues with me being sick with the pregnancy and being unable to lift things. But coming to talk to Jessie relieved a lot of stress because she gives me support when I’m not sure how to communicate these things. Then, when I go home, I feel like a weight is lifted off my chest. Learning about healthy relationships with the packets Jessie gave me has been one of the best things to happen to my fiancé and me. We have grown even closer now than ever. Because instead of getting frustrated, we are communicating. I learned that being frustrated and flustered is bad for our baby. I look forward to my appointments with Jessie. They have helped me get through some things that were hard and I can trust her. Even though my baby wasn’t supposed to come this early, she is still going to be perfect because you guys are helping prepare for what’s to come.”

“I was a first-time mom when I started with Healthy Start back in 2019. They were helping me learn how to become a great mom, but I ended up miscarrying my babies. Healthy Start helped me with coping for my loss with counseling and the most caring team I know. Then I found out I was expecting again in 2022 with my daughter. Miss Katrina, Miss Lorenza, and Miss Marissa stepped up to teach me proper ways and learn amazing skills with stuff like breastfeeding, sleeping safety, and teething for example. They have also helped me when I wasn’t able to afford diapers or a bigger car seat for my growing girl. They also took care of me when I also lost another child to miscarriage last year, which they took me out of a deep sadness from. Now they are helping me with my current pregnancy. I appreciate everything my Healthy Start team does for me and my children.”

“Healthy Start has profoundly benefited me, offering invaluable advice and essential equipment that has significantly improved my quality of life. Their support included providing a walker, greatly enhancing my son’s mobility, and a car seat to ensure his safety and convenience during travel, a typically costly necessity they offered at no expense. Additionally, they generously supplied numerous toys that have brought my child immense joy and stimulation. Lorenza, my Healthy Start care coordinator, has been especially wonderful, visiting us at home both during my pregnancy and when my baby was small. She always asked if we needed anything and treated us like family. Furthermore, she helped me find a job when I was ready to end my maternity leave, and through her guidance, I secured my current position. The comprehensive support from Healthy Start, especially Lorenza’s dedicated care, has made a significant difference, providing both practical assistance and emotional upliftment.”

“ I have now been working at Healthy Start for a year, and it has been a truly rewarding experience—one that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I enjoy connecting with fellow mothers and educating women about prenatal care and parenting. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive community of amazing women. My greatest source of pride is my son, Zion, who is not only lovable but also remarkably emotionally intelligent for his age. He keeps me on my toes, teaching me something new every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as a Healthy Start Care Coordinator—a role I excel at thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of Mrs. Susie, Mrs. Rebekah, Mrs. Holly, Mrs. Jessica, and Mr. Tony.”

“My Healthy Start worker, Jessica Craig, played a unique and crucial role in supporting me and my daughter during and after my pregnancy. Her guidance was particularly valuable as I faced a variety of complications, including postpartum pre-eclampsia. During our numerous visits, Jessica listened to my concerns and provided me with additional information on various topics and conditions and contact information for several community resources. The impact of the Healthy Start Program on my overall well-being cannot be overstated. The knowledge and skills I have gained through Healthy Start have empowered me to make informed decisions for myself and my daughter, setting us on a path toward a bright and healthy future. The program not only provided me with practical resources but also gave me a sense of community and belonging within my local area.”

“I first heard about Healthy Start coalition services at my first prenatal appointment at True Health who also referred me to the program. During my time with the program, I received information on signing up for WIC, birth classes, quit smoking help line, therapy, breastfeeding tips, and so much more. My main thing I needed help with was to stop smoking and therapy as I’m grieving the loss of my mother. Since joining the program, it has impacted my life in such an outstanding way. Being able to quit smoking and learning the benefits of not smoking for the health of me and my unborn child along with signing up for WIC to help ensure I am eating healthy for myself and baby and getting started with therapy has put me on the right path to be the best I can be. The relationship I have with my worker Ms. Lasonja has made things easy for me as I am usually not the kind of person who opens a lot. When I first met Ms. Lasonja, it was an instant relief that I had someone to help me and guide me down the road I was perusing. She was so pleasant that it made it so easy for me to open up.

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“We are very grateful to the Healthy Start Program for its continuous support, follow-up information, and good advice. All of this helps us make better decisions regarding Gia’s growth and development. We also want to specially thank Mrs. Odhet Ortega, our Care Coordinator, for all the advice, support, and structure she provides to keep us on track with Gia and because she is a good and kind person.”