Help Me Grow launches outreach campaign

MOUNT VERNON — Help Me Grow is launching an Outreach Campaign for the next six months.

Help Me Grow programs provide support to children and families in various ways. The campaign motto is “ACT EARLY! Don’t Wait and See.”

“We want as many people as possible to know about our programs,” said Shana Miller, Help Me Grow project manager. “Research shows 80% of a child’s brain is developed by age 3. This is a crucial time period for intervention if needed.

“During the next six months, we will be educating the community about our programs in a variety of ways,” she continued. “We will be sharing family stories, utilizing different media platforms, meeting with community partners, participating in events and distributing materials throughout the county.”

Help Me Grow offers two main programs: early intervention and home visiting. Early Intervention serves children age birth to 3 who have a qualifying medical diagnosis or at least one developmental delay in one domain.

The family is supported by a Service Coordinator who coordinates specialized services such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy or Developmental Specialist services.

“We use the child’s everyday routines and activities to coach caregivers/parents on how to be their child’s first and best teacher,” said Miller.

Home Visiting serves pregnant mothers and children up to age 3.

“Our Home Visitors support families by providing information to enhance bonding and attachment, track developmental milestones, set/reach goals, and much more through a curriculum called Growing Great Kids,” explained Miller. “Handouts and activities are given at each visit. A child does not need to have a concern for development to be involved in Home Visiting.

“However, we do work in collaboration with Early Intervention if our families have a concern about their child’s development. “