We believe in:

Early and frequent interventions (pregnancy through age 3; interacting with the family 2-3X/week)
A two-generation approach (Mama + Me)
Building a strong community – between our families and among our partners
Culturally appropriate and immigrant-sensitive programming
Innovative approaches- Pilot, assess and change (or repeat!)

Here is how we work with a family from pregnancy through age 3:

01

Preparing for baby

Our social worker meets with mama (and dad) bi-monthly to help them prepare with 1-on-1 coaching. Topics include breastfeeding, a birth plan, baby basics, and home preparation. We provide pre-natal vitamins and healthy meals. We also provide the goods needed for a safe sleep spot, a stroller, clothes and blankets to welcome their little one. We help them register for WIC and other city/community resources. We even have a team of bi-lingual doulas that can hold the mom’s hand through the birth!

02

1-on-1 Parent Coaching

Over the next three years, our social workers meet with the parent(s) 1-on-1 on a monthly basis to assess the physical and mental health of the family and the baby. We connect the family to other services, depending on their needs. During these 1-on-1 visits we discuss topics such as the importance of literacy, discipline, developmental milestones, sleep, nutrition, etc.

03

Las Orugitas

Mama + Me Weekly Gathering. Every week our mamas gather in groups of 8-10 with their babies. These groups set yearly goals, host speakers (e.g., Columbia Dental School, WIC), take field trips (e.g., farmer’s market, local library), exercise together (e.g., yoga, walking clubs) and overall support each other and laugh!

04

The Reading Corner

Weekly Literacy Program. Every Saturday our families gather for our literacy program. Books are read, mama & baby interaction is modeled, songs are sung, a hearty meal is enjoyed and love is shared by all. At the end of the morning, each family takes home one book to build their home library.

05

The Baby Boutique

Quarterly “Shopping”. Every quarter (as long as families consistently attend Las Orugitas and The Reading Corner), our families “shop” for their babies. They are able to choose pajamas, blankets, coats, clothes, shoes, etc. Each child also receives a developmental toy and ten books.

06	Ongoing material needs We also provide meals (on an as-needed basis) for mama and babies. Diapers and formula are also provided based on need.

07

Ongoing education

We have a goal for our families to be able to hold their parent-teacher conferences in kindergarten in English. Therefore, we offer weekly English classes with childcare. We also help people study to become citizens. We are always piloting new programs. Recent pilots included getting fathers more involved, a job training program, etc.

08	Graduation and preschool placement Our babies graduate at age 3 from our program. We work with our families and community partners to find high quality Pre-K programs for all of our babies.

Our Approach & Solutions