ABC's and 123's:

Guess what I did on Monday? I went on an exciting adventure into the world of Action for Children’s Help Me Grow program, shadowing Sophia, one of our incredible Family Support Specialists. Let me take you along on this heartwarming ride as we learn what unfolds during an Action for Children Help Me Grow home visit. 

Our destination for the day was the home of Kristian and her adorable two-year-old bundle of joy, Asher. Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is Help Me Grow? Well, it’s a system of support for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children. Last year alone, 111 families were served through Help Me Grow home visiting at Action for Children, receiving home visiting services that help them nurture their youngest children from birth up to age three.  

And here’s the exciting part – this is just an example of what Help Me Grow does! Through Help Me Grow Ohio, 6,757 pregnancy kits have been distributed to 278 locations in 71 counties statewide as of 12/28/2023. In addition, 7,461 safe sleep kits (6,411 in English and 1,050 in Spanish) have been delivered by Help Me Grow to 34 birthing hospitals in 23 counties statewide as of 12/28/2023. Our Help Me Grow also regularly attends and staffs community baby showers, connects families to community resources, and provides critical support that improves maternal and infant health outcomes. 

As we stepped into Kristian’s home, I could instantly feel the positive energy that the Help Me Grow program brings on a home visit. Kristian and Asher have been part of this program for almost two years, and based on our conversation, the growth and development are nothing short of spectacular. 

The session kicked off with Asher and Kristian delving into the world of emotions. Picture this: a tiny tot learning to label his emotions with the guidance of his mom and dedicated Family Support Specialist. It was like witnessing the birth of emotional intelligence right before my eyes. We explored age-appropriate activities that not only entertained little Asher but also educated him on expressing his feelings. 

Next up, we dived into the typical behaviors exhibited by two-year-olds. I mean, who knew that the boundless energy that 2-year-olds have is completely typical for a toddler? Throughout the visit, Sophia shared insights on decoding these behaviors, making parenting feel just a little easier. As part of Help Me Grow’s work to support young children’s social-emotional skills, we also chatted about understanding what your two-year-old is feeling. It was like deciphering a tiny, adorable code! 

Along the way, we stumbled upon Asher’s love for vehicles! The joy on his face as he identified different vehicles was priceless. It turns out that nurturing these interests is not just fun, but also a crucial part of Help Me Grow’s holistic approach to child development. 

As our visit neared its end, we sat down to talk about Asher’s growth and development. The progress was remarkable, and it filled the room with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was clear to see that the Help Me Grow program has not only nurtured Asher but also empowered Kristian with skills, tools, and confidence – and Asher is just one example! 

Now, here’s a little bonus knowledge for you. According to research from Help Me Grow,  Ohio’s statewide home visiting program, children like Asher who receive home visiting services score a whopping 25 percent higher on first through third-grade reading and math achievement tests. And pregnant women who take part in Home Visiting are 48 percent less likely to have a child with low birth weight. Talk about a double win! 

Speaking of wins, one example of the impact of Action for Children’s Help Me Grow program is showcased in the inspiring story of Gifty and her daughter Sarah’s transformative journey from challenge to thriving. Born weighing only two pounds, ten ounces, Sarah’s early days were fraught with uncertainty. However, thanks to Help Me Grow, the duo found a lifeline—comprehensive medical care, therapy, and crucial parenting classes. Fast forward fifteen years, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Sarah, now a high school student, boasts a stellar 3.9 GPA, proficiency in four instruments, excellence in track, and a commanding presence on the drama club stage. This heartwarming story showcases the profound impact of community support through programs like Help Me Grow, turning adversity into triumph and lighting the way for a brighter future. 

You can learn more about their story here!

So there you have it, friends – a peek into the wonderful world of Help Me Grow at Action for Children! As you can see, it’s so much more than just a program; it’s a journey of growth, joy, and discovery that builds strong foundations for children and their families during their earliest and most critical years.  

If you want to be a part of this incredible work, whether by learning more or making a difference by donating, you can support AFC’s Help Me Grow Services by giving today. Until next time, keep nurturing those little seeds of joy in your life! 

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Action for Children’s mission is to transform the lives of children by supporting, empowering, and advocating for the adults who make the biggest impact on their lives — their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Founded in 1972, Action for Children believes all children, when supported by nurturing families and a vibrant community, should have opportunities to access early learning experiences that prepare them for success in school and in life. LEARN MORE

To learn more about Action for Children’s Help Me Grow services in Franklin County, you can reach us at 614-224-0222 or via our website at actionforchildren.org. For Help Me Grow services outside of Franklin County, please visit helpmegrow.org. 

Action for Children’s Help Me Grow program is funded by the Ohio Department of Health and is an affiliate of the Healthy Families America model. Healthy Families America (HFA) is one of the leading family support and evidence-based home visiting programs in the United States. We believe early, nurturing relationships are the foundation for healthy development. Developed over 25 years and based on extensive and ongoing research, our approach is relationship-based, culturally respectful, family-centered, and grounded in the parallel process: the relationships we build with parents and families serve as a model for the supporting, positive relationships we help them cultivate with their children.