First Born Program Home Visitors Amy Wei and Tara Adams. Courtesy photo
FBPLA News:
The First Born Program of Los Alamos (FBPLA) is officially relaunched.
The organization, which provides assistance for those experiencing pregnancy for the first time, new families and couples who are adopting children, celebrated its new start with a kick-off party Feb. 25 at Bridge Care for Women. Local medical providers, community members and social service providers attended the party.
“We’re excited to be offering this vital service to first-time families again,” Board Member Dr. Tom Csanadi said.
Board Members Dr. Tom Csanadi and Cathleen Hewlett-Masser chat at the FBPLA relaunch Party. Courtesy photo
Program Co-manager Kim Ferguson said, “First Born of Los Alamos began accepting referrals in December, and we currently have no waiting list. All Los Alamos families (who are) pregnant and parenting for the first time can request services, regardless of income.”
Each family is assigned a specially-trained home visitor who provides information and support concerning that family’s individual goals, needs and concerns, Ferguson said, adding that home visits last around 45 minutes and occur on a weekly basis, and all visits include information from the First Born curriculum and the opportunity to check-in with the home visitor to discuss any questions, concerns, or support needs the family has.
FBPLA is a nonprofit organization that seeks to increase the health and wellness status of women pregnant for the first time, families parenting for the first time and families adopting their first baby. FBPLA provides free home visitation services to all families parenting for the first time in Los Alamos County.
Services may be requested at any time during the pregnancy; as well as at the birth of the baby, or until the baby is two months old. The services can continue until the child is 3 years old or until the family no longer requests program services.
Custom cake by Becca Jones. Courtesy photo
At the program’s core is the conviction that a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby are not only critical to the immediate well-being of the mother and child but are also integral to the long-term health and success of the family and community. The program curricula provide a comprehensive set of topics that families learn as well as specific tools, activities and educational materials. The flexible and inclusive curricula can be adapted to each family’s needs.
FBPLA provides its services in collaboration with New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation and the First Born Program.
For more information or to inquire about services, call 505.661.4481 or email welcome@firstbornla.org.
