I was 8 weeks pregnant when I found out I was going to be a mom. I felt scared and ashamed because I wasn’t married and didn't want to disappoint my family. The relationship I was in wasn’t stable and I didn’t have the support of my family and friends. When I joined Nurse-Family Partnership and met my nurse Amy, she provided me with community resources in my community and the knowledge I needed to have a healthy pregnancy. After my son was born she helped me with breast feeding, support groups and finding my motivation to obtain my master's degree. With her help, guidance and non-judgmental support I became the successful parent that I
always envisioned I could be.
The Alumni Relations Manager position was created for moms interested in continuing their journey with Nurse-Family Partnership after they have graduated from the program. There has been a high level of interest to stay connected, but no resource to provide such opportunity. The alumni group will offer opportunities for moms to connect with each other through engaging in social media apps as well as participating in local and national events through advocacy and volunteering.
At 21 it was invaluable to have the care, attention and expertise from my Nurse-Family Partnership nurse. She provided me with the motivation and helped me establish and maintain breastfeeding for fifteen-months. Throughout the years, my experience as an NFP Mom had me referring friends and eventually clients of my own as I branched out professionally. Needless to say, the program had a tremendous impact on me, and on my family.
When I saw the position posted for Client Relations, I was
excited to apply because I had learned in so many spaces the incredible barriers that people face when they need to access supportive services. Of course, I already knew the power of David Olds’ model first-hand. The idea of reducing those barriers and creating an easy entry to the program I had once participated in myself seemed like the perfect melding of my skills. I provide a responsive and accessible resource that connects families with the support they want and need to succeed. A favorite moment was when I was able to help transfer a mom from the mountains of CO to the mountains of Scotland where she’s still in the program!
Maníge Blackburn-Giles
Client Relations Representative
Graduates
nurse-family partnership graduates now on our team
Yvette Montaño
manager of alumni relations
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