INDIANAPOLIS — The clock is ticking on a program that has helped thousands of families across Indiana.
Funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program is set to expire in September. Healthy Families Indiana facilitates the program for more than 2,000 families in the state.
Kendra Scott, an engagement specialist with Healthy Families, said the work they do is imperative.
RELATED: Information for Healthy Families Indiana where you live
"It takes a village and we want to be part of that village," Scott said. "We offer them training as it comes child development, connecting socially other parents, community partnerships, networking, resources, linking them to healthcare."
While those things are great, Scott said she also enjoys the little victories.
"I think for me, it's seeing the little small pieces, just those little aha moments, when they recognize, 'Oh I should be on the floor playing and why it's important," Scott said.
Kayla Boyd came to Healthy Families after a divorce. Three years later, she graduated from the program and now works for them. She said she's proof the program works.
"Healthy Families gave me the tools and resources I needed to be self-sufficient," Boyd said. "It sets children up to succeed but also the parents. We're called Health Families for a reason. We're creating healthy families and this funding does just that."
Healthy Families is funded by the federal government under the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.
In 2020, Healthy Families received a portion of $29.6 million dollars given to Indiana for programs related to maternal and child health. That funding must be reauthorized by Congress by September or it will expire. It'll leave families like Boyd's without the home visits many of them count on over the course of three to five years.
She hopes lawmakers see the success she's had with the program, along with her gratitude, and choose to act before funding expires
WRTV has reached out to Central Indiana's DC Delegation of lawmakers to ask about reauthorizing funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Visiting Program. We have not heard back from anyone yet.
-
2 charged for armed robbery of a Brinks truck driver on Indy’s southeast side
A 41-year-old and 17-year-old have both been formally charged for their role in an armed robbery of a Brinks truck driver on the southeast side of Indianapolis last week.
Small Business Saturday shoppers don’t mind a wait outside Crimson Tate
Customers have braved the elements to be the first in line to shop at Crimson Tate for the past 13 years.
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton tries to rediscover joy of basketball despite losses
Haliburton has displayed an unusual edginess since training camp began in late September. But he looked and sounded more like himself Monday night.
Anderson police officer arrested for child solicitation
An investigation was initiated after a parent alleged inappropriate texts were being sent from the officer to juveniles while he was working as a school resource officer.
