Clarinda

The Nest program is an incentive based program for income-eligible pregnant women, post-partum mothers, and their children up to 4 years of age. Participants who are pregnant and/or have infants under 13 months can earn incentive points for healthy behaviors such as keeping doctor appointments and attending parent and preventative educational classes. Parents with children over 13 months can earn points by attending Nest parent education classes. The points are then redeemed for incentive items ranging from diapers, wipes, bathing supplies, baby clothes, car seats and educational books.

Partners 4 Families refers families in Fremont or Page County with children ages 0 to 5 to local programs and resources. The Family Resource Specialist (FRS) completes a brief screen with the family regarding their needs and strengths, as well as the information needed for specific programs. The FRS helps families connect with family support programs, like Early Head Start, FaDDS, Growing Strong Families, Nest, and Positive Family. The FRS gives information for assistance with basic needs like heat, rent, food, child care, education, and household items. The FRS can give some basic health information and referrals for child development, counseling services, alcohol and drug use treatment programs, medical clinics, and dentists.

The funding for Partners 4 Families is through a grant from Corner Counties Early Childhood Area-Fremont and Page Counties.

A home visitor, or Family Support Specialist, provides educational materials, developmental screenings, support and advocacy to families who are expecting or who have young children, during weekly home visits. A typical home visit includes time for the family to talk about feelings and problems, joys, and concerns.The program goals are to promote child health and development, improve family relationships, and encourage positive parenting and family relationships.