Blog

Families from the Family & Children’s Place HANDS program celebrated their annual picnic Friday, July 1, at George Rogers Park. In all, 201 people attended the picnic, representing 55 families, making it the largest HANDS picnic ever.

The picnic, sponsored by agency friend and partner WellCare, had a carnival theme and featured  games such as can toss, cake walk, bean bag toss, duck pond and plinko;  face painting, snow cones and a visit by The Bubble Bug, a car that blows thousands of bubbles. Children got tickets to play the games and chances to win prizes.

The families also played in the park, including the water fountain. During the picnic, others in the park asked about the picnic and the program and received one self-referral.

Through HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services), Family Support Workers visit new and expectant parents in their homes to share tools, training and resources that provide their baby with a healthy, developmentally stimulating, safe and happy environment.

The visits help the families deal with the stresses that often accompany a new baby, which help reduce the risk of and prevent potential child abuse, and help them manage their own needs and their baby’s as well.

Thanks to WellCare for sponsoring the picnic and the agency, to staff for putting on such a fun and helpful picnic, and to the families for sharing their lives and babies with us.