This year has been one of enormous change for Carrie.  She separated from an abusive, controlling boyfriend, went to court to establish paternity and custody of her baby, received training in phlebotomy from the Renton Technical College and got a job at a local medical center. She and her daughter live with Carrie's mother now and the three are a strong supportive unit.

Carrie was motivated to leave her abusive situation when the YES Healthy Start staff discussed with her the impact of domestic violence on children. The staff also shared community resources with Carrie to help her find childcare and programs where she could receive training.  Although it's been a challenge to now leave her daughter with a babysitter during the day, Carrie is happy to be in a much stronger emotional and financial situation, and has confidence in her family's future. 

Healthy Start is a home visiting program for young parents that helps nurture baby-parent bonding, healthy child development, and sound parenting skills. It's a collaborative program between YES and other human service agencies that, unfortunately, lost its county funding during the last budget cuts and has been forced to cut back. You can help by making a donation of cash, baby supplies or gift cards.