3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 3005
Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026
Every Child Is Me
Every Child Succeeds (ECS) provides comprehensive home visiting services to optimize early child development and family wellbeing. An essential component of the Every Child Is Me Campaign, supported by the Dater Foundation, was to reach an increased number of families. During this grant period, ECS enrolled an additional 322 moms from low-income backgrounds. Home visitors worked closely with families in their homes (pre-COVID) and virtually thereafter to support parenting skills and child development. Families created more stimulating home environments, read frequently to their children, and most children received the majority of their early well check-ups. To facilitate virtual program delivery during the pandemic, ECS purchased necessary tools for home visitors and families alike and completed more home visits during the pandemic than the previous year!
An Every Child Succeeds Success Story
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Two years ago, Alysia had no idea what it would be like to be a mom. She was fascinated by the topics her home visitor covered: parenting, attachment, and brain and cognitive development of her child. She quickly understood that the first years of her son's life would be crucial for his good growth.
During pregnancy, Alysia learned from the program about the importance of self-care, breastfeeding, interaction, and reading books. She was also preparing to offer her baby and family a self-sufficient life. Following the birth of her son, Alexander, Alysia began to set several goals for her family which included wanting to move to a less dangerous and healthier neighborhood, a larger space, and closer to family; however, lack of money and a low credit score presented barriers.
Once the pandemic hit, the family’s financial situation shifted. During this year, the family worked with their home visitor on a plan that included steps Alysia could take to rebuild her credit score. By the time Alexander was one year old, Alysia was working and qualified to rent the house she longed for in the neighborhood where she wanted to live. Alysia now has a house, a car, and proximity to her family, but above all she has a beautiful son whom she has raised with love, attachment and self-esteem. During his first year, Alexander was only breastfed; he rarely gets sick and is up to date on his vaccinations.
Alexander is now one year and four months old. He is a happy, intelligent, and healthy boy who enjoys great emotional and behavioral health, as well as physical and cognitive growth. His favorite hobby is reading, and he has read about 100 books, including several in Spanish. There are almost 15 books that he reads over and over. Alexander is African American, his father knows a lot of Spanish, and surely this will become Alexander's second language.
The family is healthy and happy and will no doubt continue to take the steps needed to achieve their goals. May the books Alexander reads lead him to conquer his dreams!
(7-22-2021)
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