Supporting families is key to improving child health and development and to prevent child abuse and neglect for families and children. Cedar Valley United Way is working to build stronger families by supporting HOPES, a comprehensive, in-home, visitation program that promotes healthy, safe, self-sufficient families. The program, run by Lutheran Services in Iowa, also provides support services to families during the prenatal period and through their children's preschool years. The target population is high risk prenatal and postnatal families. The program provides families support, education, and assists them with ensuring their child's health is monitored. It also reduces isolation and connects families to community resources. The overall purpose of HOPES is to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
 
Below is the story of one participant in the HOPES program who received support thanks to your contributions:
 
Kelly was referred to our program when she was facing an unexpected pregnancy and had very little support. She was not sure she could keep the baby. She had thought about going through the adoption process. Life was very stressful and Kelly had dropped out of college. We provided support for Kelly on whatever decision she made, and when her baby was born Kelly decided she could not go through with adoption. Although it was a very tough decision, she knew it wasn't going to be easy; however she knew that she loved this baby and had to give it a shot. The FSW worker and Kelly's mother let her know that there are a lot of support programs and resources out there. Kelly learned there were supports that she was not aware of available. 
 
Kelly then also got the father of the baby's support, and we got her hooked up with the resources she needed. Now six months later things are going very well. Kelly is now working part-time, they have transportation and a nice apartment, and her daughter is thriving. Things are tough as she is back in classes, but she states that her daughter is worth it. And her future is now brighter and in her control. We will be involved as long as she needs services or until the child is 4, whichever comes first.