(Editor's Note: This is Cardinal Services' sixth story in our series of articles 
featuring the people and programs of Cardinal Services in 
their 60th anniversary year.)

The experienced staff at Healthy Families includes (front, l-r) Lynda Garber, Stacy England and Heather Fairchild (back, l-r) Ann Windle, Laura Cooper and Healthy Families Coordinator Melinda Schwartz.
(Photo provided)

When the Zimmer Women’s Network reached out to Cardinal Services last fall, they asked one question: How can we help other women and their families? The answer was not long in coming: Healthy Families.

One of 14 departments at Cardinal Services, Healthy Families strengthens families by connecting them to resources within the community and providing them with the tools and supports they need to provide a loving, nurturing environment. The state-funded program has been shown to prevent incidence of child abuse as the new parents are equipped with the tools they need to deal with the stresses of a new baby. In many cases, moms and dads are first-timers with no parental experience. However, HF also serves existing parents who are adjusting to the demands of a new baby in the home.

Families receive referrals from local agencies such as WIC, Heartline and local hospitals to participate in the program. Each year, approximately 95 families qualify, receiving regular visits from their professional HF worker. The worker answers questions parents may have about their baby’s behavior or development, connect them with other services in the community, and help them set goals for their family and themselves. Home visits start out being once a week and reduce as family needs decrease.

There are a lot of items not covered in the state grant: diapers, onesies, receiving blankets, baby wash, lotion and powder . . . all the things a family with a new baby needs. When the Zimmer Women’s Network held their Healthy Families Baby Shower, they gathered a very full pick-up truck load of these items.

According to HF Coordinator Melinda Schwartz, it was an overwhelming result. “We rely on our community to help us serve some of the families in the greatest need. Donations of baby items certainly never go to waste!”

Schwartz adds that families are still benefitting from the Zimmer baby shower today, although soon the shelves at HF will need replenishing.

“If a mom comes to us with very few baby hygiene, clothing, or small play items for her new baby or is out of diapers we want to be able to help her. If we can provide a little of what she needs, it reduces a serious stressor in her life. Our community does that for her, and nurtures a healthy family.”

For more information about the Kosciusko County Healthy Families program of Cardinal Services, please visit www.cardinalservices.org.