Prevention In Action

Across South Carolina, home visiting programs are transforming the lives of families. By providing personalized support, home visitors empower parents, promote child development and fostering stronger communities.

One of those home visiting programs is Healthy Families America at the Parenting Place, a Children’s Trust grantee in Easley. Meeting families in their homes on a weekly basis, home visitors serve pregnant moms and their families with children aged 0-3. Most of the families they work with face challenges such as single parenthood, low income, childhood history of abuse and neglect, issues related to substance abuse, mental health issues and/or domestic violence.

“When I was pregnant, I knew it takes a village to raise a child—and I didn’t have a village,” said Nicole Kregg, a mom who received home visiting support. “So when I heard about the Parenting Place, I jumped on the opportunity. It meant having someone I can talk to, who can answer my questions, and who can guide me into the correct mothering path.”

Home visitors are nurses, therapists or child development specialists that offer personalized support to parents, guiding them through the challenges of raising children. By focusing on early childhood development and family well-being, these programs are laying the foundation for a brighter future for both parents and children.

Quick Stats

• Studies show that home visiting programs can reduce child abuse and neglect by 50%
• Participants often experience improved maternal health and increased school readiness in children
• Families report higher levels of self-sufficiency and improved family functioning
• Programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, ensuring personalized support

Home visiting programs are not only the foundation of support for many communities; they are at the heart of many families’ villages, showing parents there is a better way—and that breaking cycles and thriving is possible.