In a recent community meeting, parents shared their transformative experiences with a home visiting program designed to support new families. Participants expressed gratitude for the personalized guidance and emotional support they received, highlighting the importance of having someone to rely on during the challenging early stages of parenthood.
One parent recounted how the program helped her transition into motherhood, stating, \"After two or three weeks of meeting in the home visiting program, I was totally comfortable with the fact that I was going to have a baby.\" This sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized the program's role in alleviating fears and providing essential resources.
The home visitors, described as caring and attentive, fostered strong relationships with families. One participant noted, \"Not only did we get the assistance with this program, but we also made a really good friend.\" This connection was seen as vital, with parents feeling that their home visitors became part of their family.
The meeting also underscored the program's impact on child development, with parents reporting increased confidence in their parenting skills. \"It makes me feel comfortable and I associate my parenting with her,\" one parent shared, reflecting on the guidance received regarding child milestones.
In addition to personal stories, the Office of Emergency Services provided information on emergency preparedness, urging families to utilize resources available at MendoReady.org. They emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential disasters, such as wildfires, and encouraged community members to sign up for emergency alerts.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the critical role of support systems for new parents and the need for community resources to enhance family resilience and preparedness.