Sherburne County highlights First Steps home‑visiting program’s role supporting new parents

Sherburne County public health staff and First Steps Central Minnesota presenters told the county board on March 17 that home‑visiting nurses reached hundreds of families in 2025 and that families report measurable gains in parenting confidence and child‑development understanding.

Kelly Ball, regional program manager, and Leah Crozer, data and analytics manager, described First Steps as a voluntary, no‑cost family home‑visiting program serving prenatal through early childhood in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. They reported that the collaborative served 688 families across the region in 2025 and completed 5,275 home visits. Sherburne County generated 154 referrals, representing 16% of the regional referral base, the presenters said.

Presenters highlighted outcomes from an annual family feedback survey: 97% of respondents reported confidence in their ability to raise their children after participating in the program, and 98% said they would recommend the program to other families. Ball described partnerships with Main Street Family Services, libraries and schools and said local programming includes infant feeding support groups and monthly “Fun with First Steps” family activities.

Leah Crozer explained that First Steps focuses on building protective factors to prevent adverse childhood experiences and supports families with high‑need indicators including housing or food instability, mental‑health concerns and limited transportation. The presenters also noted capacity limits: recent grant funding expanded monthly service capacity, but the collaborative expects to be capped at current staffing levels without additional revenue.

A board member praised the program’s long‑term public‑health benefits and noted that home‑visiting is preventive work that reduces downstream public‑assistance and health costs. Program staff provided information for referral and outreach.