Sponsored Homes | Tim & George

When Isabel first began working with The Up Center, she was filled with worry. As an expectant mother who spoke only Spanish, she was anxious about what would happen when it came time to deliver her baby. The thought of going into the hospital without being able to fully communicate her needs left her feeling scared and alone.

With patience and compassion, her home visitor began building trust—providing her with resources in Spanish using The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers curriculum. Together, they went over what to expect during labor and delivery, discussed common medical procedures, and created a list of questions Isabel could bring to her next appointment.

As Isabel reviewed the materials and practiced what to say, her fear began to fade. She realized that she could take an active role in her care. She grew more confident about communicating with her providers and developed strategies to ensure she would be heard and understood, even in moments of stress.

Now, Isabel feels prepared and empowered as she approaches the birth of her baby. What began as fear has become confidence—and through connection, understanding, and support, she has built the courage to advocate for herself and her child. Her story shows how small acts of care can open the door to safety, strength, and trust.

When Carmen joined The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, she was expecting her second child and hoping to build a better future for her growing family. Life had not been easy—between work, parenting, and navigating a language barrier, she often felt isolated from the world around her. But through the support and encouragement of her home visitor, Carmen began to see what was possible.

Each visit became a space for growth. Together, they set personal and family goals—learning English, preparing for the arrival of her baby, balancing her job, and creating a warm, nurturing home environment for her children. Slowly, Carmen began to find confidence in her voice. She practiced her new language skills in everyday moments—reading with her older child, speaking with teachers, and advocating for herself at appointments.

After welcoming her new baby, Carmen continued working with her home visitor to adjust to the changes that came with caring for a newborn while still prioritizing time with her older child. Her commitment to learning and connection has helped her family thrive, even during moments of exhaustion and uncertainty.

Carmen’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and transformation. Through The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers program, she is not only creating a strong foundation for her children’s futures but also discovering her own potential—one goal, one step, and one victory at a time.

When Morgan opened her door for her Parents as Teachers home visit, the scene was beautifully chaotic. Toys scattered across the floor, babies babbling in chorus, and kids eager for attention—it was the portrait of a mother giving her all.

Her home visitor spent the afternoon supporting Morgan through developmental screenings and assessments for the triplets. Between playtime and conversation, she gently encouraged Morgan not to feel guilty about asking others for help when she needed it. “You’re not alone in this,” she reminded her. “It’s okay to lean on the people who love you.”

As they talked, the home visitor saw the exhaustion in Morgan’s eyes but also the fierce love that carried her through each day. They laughed over the challenges and celebrated the small victories—three healthy babies learning and growing, and a mother doing her best in a season of constant motion.

When the home visitor left, she felt deeply moved and grateful. The visit was a reminder that her work was not just about child development—it was about empowering parents to see their own strength. For Morgan, that day meant more than advice or assessments. It meant being seen, supported, and reminded that even in the busiest, most demanding moments of motherhood, she was doing an incredible job.

When Naomi joined The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, her life was in transition. She had recently faced a series of painful events that left her with lasting injuries, involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS), and the loss of custody of her three children. Her two oldest went to live with a family member, while her baby was placed in foster care.

Determined to rebuild her life and reunite her family, Naomi began working closely with her CPS worker and enrolled in PAT to strengthen her parenting skills. Through the program, she learned about positive parenting, child development, and ways to create meaningful learning moments with her children. She began developing her own child-focused activities between home visits, showing initiative and a deep desire to grow as a mother.

Her progress extended beyond parenting. Naomi enrolled her two oldest children in school, and despite their early challenges as first-time students, both were recognized as Students of the Month by the fall.

The road to reunification was not easy. There were setbacks and moments of discouragement, but with the consistent encouragement of her home visitor and other service providers, Naomi stayed focused. Her perseverance paid off. In a recent court hearing, Naomi was granted full custody of her two oldest children and placed on a six-month permanency plan to reunify with her baby.

When asked how she felt about finally bringing her youngest home, Naomi smiled through tears and said, “This is the moment I’ve waited for.” She and her home visitor shared a hug, celebrating not only her success but the love and determination that made it possible.

Naomi’s story reflects what Parents as Teachers is all about—meeting families where they are, walking with them through challenges, and helping parents build the confidence and skills to create a brighter future for their children.

For Alana, a mother in the Parents as Teachers program, the journey had been long and filled with uncertainty. Her oldest child had been placed with a relative through foster care, and while she focused on raising her younger children, she never stopped working toward reunification. With the steady support of her home visitor, Alana built routines, strengthened her parenting skills, and completed every requirement the court asked of her.

As the final hearing approached, Alana felt the weight of every moment leading up to that day. When the judge announced that her child could return home in time to start the new school year, tears filled her eyes. Her home visitor—who had stood beside her through every challenge—was there to share that moment of relief and celebration.

For Alana and so many others, The Up Center’s home visiting programs offer more than guidance. They provide unwavering belief that families can heal, grow, and come back together. With every success like this, we see the heart of our mission come to life—helping parents create safe, loving homes where children can thrive.