Healthy Families Provides Guidance and Support To A Savannah-Area Single Mom

Janean is a  26-year-old single mother of two boys, J’mitri, age 9, and Jiovani, age 1. Janean was referred to LSG's Healthy Families while she was pregnant with her youngest son and has now been in the program for over a year.  Janean said she was interested in Healthy Families because she “just wanted some support.”  She works full time and is pursuing a degree in college.  

What are the most helpful skills or information that you have learned through the Healthy Families program?

“Oh wow, that’s a lot. What’s the maximum word count?” Janean laughed. “Parenting skills, maternity information, breastfeeding, social interaction, basic care with my child, teething, all of that.”

Would you recommend Healthy Families to other parents? Why or Why not?

“Yes, I feel like it’s a positive influence on me and baby. The Family Support Workers are really supportive and down to earth.”

What advice would you give someone who is a new parent and about to start Healthy Families? Any tips for getting the most out of it?

“If you’re ever concerned or worried about something to do with your baby always ask. Just know you will always have someone.”

What is the hardest thing about being a parent? What is the best thing about being a parent?

“The hardest is being full time work and school. I just want to be with them all of the time, and I can’t. The best thing is the way that my kids love me and seeing them happy. They make me feel like parenting isn’t a job.”

Healthy Families is a voluntary home visit program for families with children ages 0-5 designed to help reduce child abuse and neglect. During home visits, participants receive parenting assistance and guidance in areas such as basic care, social/emotional development, physical/brain development, communication skills, becoming more self-sufficient, problem solving, school readiness, reducing stress, and providing a safe and healthy home. For more information, visit lsga.org/family-intervention or contact our Savannah office at (912) 353-8875.