Blog

In 2019, Olivia was both excited and terrified about the prospect of raising her newborn baby. In her doctor’s office, she found a flyer about the HANDS program and enrolled. Through in-home visits with a Parent Visitor, Olivia learned how to be the best mother she could be and gained confidence in her new role.

By 2021, Olivia’s situation had changed and she found herself pregnant with another child after suffering a miscarriage previously. Maranda, her Parent Visitor through HANDS, was available for her through her loss and again during this pregnancy. While Olivia was once again excited, and nervous to be a mother of two, her immediate need was for quality housing. Her apartment did not pass the inspection required for her housing subsidy and as a result, she needed to find a new place to live. With Maranda’s assistance, Olivia and her child moved into fully furnished temporary housing while she searched for a new apartment.

Not long after her transition, she moved into her own safe, clean and child friendly home. Maranda accessed the connections through the HANDS program to ensure Olivia had furniture, clothing, necessities and childcare supplies to properly care for herself and both of her children. Olivia says she feels safe and is no longer under stress. She is relieved to be able to focus on her pregnancy and provide the best life for her babies.

The HANDS program is open to all new and expecting parents and referrals cane be made by anyone. Parenthood is challenging and we are happy to be able to provide a helping hand.