First Steps Volunteers Needed

DANBURY — Becoming a parent for the very first time is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it has its ups and downs. First Steps, a program of the Healthy Family Network, is a telephone support system that matches trained volunteers with first-time families.

Starting with a visit to the family in the hospital, the volunteer then supports the new family by offering educational information, linking families to community resources, and providing a listening ear. Telephone calls are made on a regular basis from the First Steps office at the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association.

A few hours a month of volunteer time can help new parents establish positive parenting skills and reduce the chance of child abuse and neglect. Call Lynda Engler for a volunteer training schedule and more information, 792-4120.