New Look For The

Healthy Families Network

DANBURY — The Healthy Families Network, which has served new families in Greater Danbury with outreach and support services since 1998, has grown into a newly created not-for-profit organization named Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc.  In addition to its new name, Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc. has relocated its operations from Liberty Street to 12 Downs Street with the new phone number of   791-8773.  All changes are effective January 1, 2004. 

From what started as a community collaborative housed at the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association focusing on health promotion and child abuse and neglect programs, the progression to Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc. allows the programs to function independently of both the nationally branded Healthy Families America model and Danbury Health Systems, Inc., the parent company of Danbury Hospital and the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association, where the programs operated since their inception in Danbury.  This change also will allow program sites like Danbury to better serve families in their communities, while saving thousands of dollars in national affiliation fees, according to Karen Foley-Schain, executive director, Children’s Trust Fund, which funds the Nurturing Families Network statewide.

Mary Ann Faraguna, executive director, Danbury VNA, said, “We have watched the previous efforts of this new agency, Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc., result in outstanding local collaboration to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect.  These efforts have helped many at-risk new parents become more confident and informed to be successful parents in our community.  The Nurturing Families Network and Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc. will preserve an important array of programs that have been rigorously researched and evaluated by the University of Hartford Center for Social Research, so that the scope and quality of these resources are maintained to serve Connecticut families in need.”

Sue Giglio, executive director, Families Network of Western Connecticut Inc., outlined the agency’s services, which include:

Intensive Home Visiting to new parents helps them facing multiple challenges, especially those who are at high risk for child abuse and neglect.  This program fosters positive, healthy child-rearing practices with pregnant women and new parents, while educating them about normal child development and community resources.  Home visits last up to five years and focus on child health, parenting skills and other aspects of family functioning.

Nurturing Parenting Groups assist parents in developing skills, attitudes and behaviors to become better parents and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.  These groups offer a supportive environment for families to explore issues and feelings to promote healthy family growth.

Nurturing Connections for new parents links them with volunteers and other resources that can help a family adjust to the many demands that come with parenthood.  This telephone support model provides trained volunteers to make regular contact with first-time parents during the first 3-6 months after a baby is born.  The first visit is conducted in the hospital, with volunteer phone contact to support the new family once they return home with their new baby.

Healthy Start and HUSKY Outreach via the state health insurance programs for pregnant women and children provide application assistance, case management, outreach, advocacy, health education and parental education and support.

“We believe our new name and focus better integrates the components of our previous programs to serve the community with high-quality support,” Ms Giglio said, “We have grown in scope and reputation over the years, and are pleased with the opportunity to continue our efforts to improve the health and well-being of our region’s families.”