The mission of Partners in Community Outreach is to build a statewide system of In-Home Family Education that assures program quality and accountability--helping programs to improve child health, increase school readiness, enhance parenting skills, and reduce child maltreatment.
What is In-Home Family Education?
In-Home Family Education is a voluntary program providing parenting education and support to families with young children in their homes. These programs build "protective factors" which enable families to deal
more successfully with whatever challenges arise. In-Home Family Education is a powerful strategy to promote positive childhood experiences; thereby reducing the need for more costly services.
What do In-Home Family Educators do?
In-Home Family Educators help parents understand their role as their
child's first and most important teacher. They provide information and support in such
areas as prenatal care, child health, early learning and literacy, and child development
and behavior. They help connect families to resources in their community and help families
stay together safely. This is done by emphasizing each family's strengths and helping
them reach their goals.
For more information, West Virginia In-Home Family Education
Sisters of Saint Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation
The Foundation (based in Wheeling) recognizes that in order to address the health needs of West Virginians, the quality of early experiences and the health of children and youth must be top priorities. The Foundation collaborates with chosen organizations to impact the long-term health of West Virginia's children.The Foundation has awarded the following grants to these Partners in Community Outreach member programs to assist in strengthening cross-model standards and quality indicators:
Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg Office (PAT) - $25,000
Monongalia County Starting Points Center (PAT) - $15,000
Northern Panhandle Head Start (MIHOW) - $8,000
Tucker County Family Resource Network (PAT) - $25,000
Wetzel County Center for Children and Families (PAT) - $15,000
For more information, see the Sisters of Saint Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation website here
Affordable Care Act - Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting
Governor Joe Manchin III designated the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: Bureau for Public Health: Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health as the agency to lead the WV Home Visitation Program. Partners in Community Outreach is participating on the Stakeholder Group assisting with coordination, development and implementation of the West Virginia Home Visitation Program. For more information, see the Program website here
Thanks to The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Wehrle Foundation for their continued support of Partners in Community Outreach.
