Sponsored Homes | Tim & George

When Kendra joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program in the fall, her baby boy, Noah, was three months old. Born four weeks early, Noah’s development was slightly delayed compared to other babies his age. His pediatrician reassured Kendra that most preemies catch up by the time they turn two—but for a first-time mom, it was still hard not to worry.

Each week, Kendra’s home visitor worked closely with her and Noah, teaching her simple activities to strengthen his motor skills, encourage communication, and support problem-solving. Using the Parents as Teachers curriculum and Mothers and Babies engagement tools, their sessions became moments of learning and connection. Between visits, Kendra practiced what she learned—singing, reading, and playing with Noah to help him grow.

At Noah’s nine-month appointment, Kendra proudly shared his progress. The doctor reviewed his Ages and Stages Questionnaire results and smiled. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” he said. “He’s meeting milestones for a nine-month-old.” Kendra was overjoyed and immediately credited her home visitor for the success.

Her home visitor gently reminded her, “You’re the one doing the work, Kendra. I give you the tools, but you’re the one helping him thrive.” In that moment, Kendra saw herself not just as a mother, but as her son’s greatest teacher—a powerful reminder of how knowledge, guidance, and encouragement can change a family’s story.

When Ariana joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program in the beginning of the year, she was eight months pregnant with her first child and filled with both excitement and anxiety. More than anything, she wanted to be a good mother—but she admitted that her biggest hope was for her baby to “be quiet and sleep through the night.” Like many first-time moms, Ariana longed for peace, unsure what to expect when her baby arrived.

Her home visitor reassured her that crying was a baby’s way of communicating and began teaching her about newborn development. Together, they watched videos on calming and soothing techniques and talked through the rhythms of feeding, sleeping, and responding to a baby’s needs with patience and care. These gentle, judgment-free conversations helped Ariana replace fear with understanding and confidence.

A few weeks later, Ariana delivered a healthy baby boy. When her home visitor checked in, she smiled and said, “Things are smoother than I expected.” She shared how she now recognizes her baby’s cries as his way of telling her what he needs—and how proud she feels when she can comfort him.

Thanks to support from Healthy Families and our community partners Newborns in Need, Greater Hampton Roads Diaper Bank, and Sleep Tight, Ariana received essential items like a new Pack ’n Play, a diaper bag, and newborn supplies. With education, encouragement, and tangible resources, Ariana began motherhood not just prepared, but empowered—ready to meet her baby’s needs with love, patience, and confidence.

When Elena joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program, her twin boys were just newborns. Over the years, she has built a close relationship with her Family Support Specialist, learning new ways to support her children’s growth and development. Recently, one of her twins mastered potty training with ease—while the other struggled. The difference in progress tested Maria’s patience, and her frustration sometimes spilled over during their daily routines.

During one home visit, Elena’s specialist gently guided her through that moment of frustration. Instead of focusing on punishment, they talked about the power of positive reinforcement—how encouragement, celebration, and love can motivate a child far more than correction. Together, they practiced small ways to shift the energy: praising effort, cheering every success, and making potty training a family celebration rather than a stressful task.

Elena embraced the advice and began rewarding her son’s efforts with kind words and small celebrations from his siblings. Within weeks, he was fully potty trained—and beaming with pride. When Elena shared the news at her next visit, she reflected on how much had changed, not just for her son, but for her as a parent.

“It made such a difference when I stopped punishing and started celebrating,” she said. “Now he’s proud of himself—and I’m proud of both of us.”

For families like Elena’s, The Up Center’s Healthy Families program does more than teach parenting skills. It helps parents build stronger, more nurturing homes—where every milestone becomes a moment of growth, connection, and joy.

When Keira joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program two and a half years ago, she was a determined teen preparing for motherhood. She and her boyfriend, Dante, were still in high school and living with their little boy in a busy multigenerational home. Together, they were learning what it meant to be parents while still figuring out who they were themselves.

Recently, Keira and Dante made the difficult decision to end their relationship. Though the breakup was emotional, both parents were committed to one thing—their son’s happiness. With support from Healthy Families, they began navigating how to co-parent with respect and teamwork, learning to put their child’s needs ahead of their own.

During weekly home visits, a Healthy Families home visitor provides a safe space for Keira and Dante to come together around shared parenting goals. Structured playtime and parenting activities give them a chance to focus on their son’s growth and development, helping them both stay engaged and connected. For Keira, that support has been vital—she says it helps her feel confident and less alone as she adjusts to life as a single mom.

Thanks to The Up Center’s guidance, this young family is learning that even when relationships change, love and commitment can remain the steady foundation a child needs to thrive.

For more than a year, Renee found herself in the middle of a difficult custody dispute with her children’s father. The process was draining—court hearings, tense conversations, and months of uncertainty. But through it all, Renee stayed focused on what mattered most: protecting her children’s well-being and maintaining stability at home.

Her Healthy Families home visitor was there every step of the way, helping her navigate legal challenges and offering both practical and emotional support. When court days felt overwhelming, her home visitor showed up—sitting beside her, helping her stay grounded, and reminding her that she was not alone in the process.

In the summer, Renee’s persistence and courage paid off when custody was officially awarded to her. It was a moment of relief and validation after so many months of strain. Her home visitor was there to celebrate with her, proud to see a mother who had faced so much finally find peace.

Today, both of Renee’s children are thriving—one in kindergarten, the other in preschool. Their laughter fills the home that once felt uncertain. With the continued support of Healthy Families, Renee has turned one of the hardest chapters of her life into a story of resilience and hope.