FAMILY & CHILDREN
HEALTHY FAMILIES OF THE HIGH DESERT The first years of a baby’s life are critical to the developing brain. Attachment and experiences with a primary caregiver affects a baby’s future social, emotional and cognitive development. The relationships the baby experiences in the first few years of life provide him/ her with a sense of self and whether or not his/her world is a safe place to live in. Not all families are equipped to provide the nurturing and stimulating experiences and environment that children need to thrive. Many families lack the basic necessities and resources required to survive let alone enjoy their baby. The outcomes for children born into households experiencing these levels of economic, health and social disparities are often poor. Healthy Families of the High Desert provides eligible families the support required. Partnering with a family with weekly visits for up to 3 years, a Family Support Specialist helps track baby’s development, discuss positive parenting practices, early literacy, safety, health and individual family needs. Families are connected to community resources. The relationship with the FSS increases parental confidence and decreases family stress. Babies and young children feel understood, valued and ready for school. The A Program of the High Desert ESD program is voluntary and at no cost to families. Healthy Families of the HIgh Desert
2125 NE Daggett Ln., Bend, OR, 97701 541-749-2138 www.hdesd.org
Serving: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver, Madras-Jefferson County, Prineville, Warm Springs
“… empower all Latino families to thrive, creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite and strengthen us all.”
“… provide a place where at-risk homeless teens who have been trafficked, abused, abandoned, or criminally preyed upon could find help, healing, and hope in our Central Oregon community?”
— Latino Community Association
— Beulah’s Place
“… get all parents the support and information they need to have a thriving family?” — Healthy Families Oregon-High Desert
“… stop child abuse in Central Oregon so that every child grows up feeling safe, loved and supported allowing them to reach their fullest potential?”
18 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN
— KIDS Center