Nurturing Futures: Philanthropy and Family Well-Being in Northern Iowa

In the heart of northern Iowa, where about 14% of the population faces homelessness, families often struggle with more than just finding a place to live. Challenges with inadequate housing and transportation can make it difficult to access essential resources that directly impact pediatric well-being, including postpartum support, preventative screenings and school readiness programs.

The cascading effects on northern Iowa’s children can be significant, resulting in consequences such as child abuse or neglect and a lack of school readiness.

Funded entirely by grants and philanthropic support, MercyOne North Iowa’s Family Connections program is a resource available to families living in Cerro Gordo, Hancock, or Worth counties that sets new parents up for success from the beginning of pregnancy. Through the program, families receive education on a variety of topics like prenatal physical and emotional changes, parenting, and child growth and development.

Family Connections Coordinator Chelsie Hinton explains how the program works.

“Each family is paired with a Family Support Worker (FSW). This person will meet the family in their home, based on the family’s availability. Following the first visit to set up goals and where the family needs support, the FSW can meet with the family once a week to help build a trusting and supportive relationship for the entirety of time the child is involved with the program, up to age five."

These family support workers provide around 1,000 hours of in-home visits to young families in need each year, traveling extensively in our rural area to provide education and support. This service is especially critical in the many rural areas we serve, where it helps decrease isolation for new mothers, builds parental confidence, and ensures the overall well-being of newborns and families. The program also provides essential but cost-prohibitive supplies, such as car seats, to parents in need. Additionally, families are helped with necessities like finding safe childcare options and baby-proofing their homes.

By making a gift to Family Connections, you can help ensure young families continue to receive critical education on pediatric development and well-being, well-child exams, and more.

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