Great Expectations - Babies don't come with instructions

Great Expectations

Represented by Leigh (Exec Director) and Jenny (Grant writer). Organization was originally founded in 1983 at “Family Visitor Program of Garfield County”. They changed the name to better reflect their mission to strengthen and empower families. The service area is from Aspen to Parachute. They recognize that “babies don’t come with instructions” and many families need assistance to navigate a variety of issues. One of the primary goals is to create stronger relationships to prevent mental health crisis, child abuse, and other challenges that shatter families.

There are currently four “Building Strong Foundation” programs:

• Healthy Families America (focused on infant well being)

• Nurse Family Partners (first trimester of pregnancy to post partum and beyond)

• Circle of Parents (meeting in two locations)

• Motherwise (helping to build healthy relationships with 6 community sessions and 4 home visits)

There are two new programs in development: Peer Support Specialist for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Family Connects with the Eagle County Dept of Public Health.

Currently serving 120 families in Healthy Family America, 130 in Nurse Family Partnerships, and 52 in Parent Support Groups. There are 65 families on a waiting list. The limitation on numbers that can be served are due to staffing levels and funding. Currently 56 percent of the budget comes from the State of Colorado, the rest from fundraising and grants. The average annual cost per family served is $7900.

Of particular note in their Impact Highlights were excellent rate of children served being fully vaccinated by age two, zero emergency room visits for the infants, and high rate of breast feeding. (More details available from the copy of the presentation that will be sent to Sarah to post on the website.)

There are not volunteer needs within the programs, as they have specific education and qualification requirements for the positions. However, the organization is in need of board members, and greatly appreciates other assistance such as the Mothers’ Day gifts that were recently donated by the RVR community. Any financial donations are also more than welcome!