Monique was on the phone for a WIC consultation when she was told about the Nurse-Family Partnership program in Oakland County, and was asked if she would like to join the program. The answer was an immediate yes. "I was at work screaming for joy in the locker room," Monique recalled. One week later, Monique received a call from NFP nurse Khalia, and the pair started their partnership. Through their weekly meetings, nurse Khalia discovered that Monique had developed gestational hypertension. Something Monique believes her obstetrician would not have caught. With the support of her nurse, Monique enrolled her son in daycare so that she could work and provide stability for her family. She is grateful for nurse Khalia, saying that the information and knowledge she provided was "not just beneficial, it's life-changing." Don't miss the heartwarming video! (fb)

At 20 years old Fernanda found out she was pregnant after dating her partner, Christopher, for only three months. Wanting a stable future for her family, Fernanda decided to complete her high school education, which she had put on hold to support her mother and brother. Re-enrolling at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Fernanda discovered the Nurse-Family Partnership program, offered directly through the school district. With the support of NFP nurse Christina, Fernanda and Christopher sought community resources for housing and employment. Despite health concerns during pregnancy, including an anterior placenta and gestational diabetes, Fernanda received guidance from Christina and successfully earned her high school diploma. Fernanda and Christopher secured affordable housing just in time for the arrival of their daughter, Valeria. However, Fernanda experienced postpartum depression and reached out to Christina, who connected her with a therapist and a postpartum support group. “Christina has been the support system that we didn’t know we needed,” said Christopher. Fernanda added, “Christina helped me become the mom I never knew I could be. When we reach new milestones, she is the first person we call.” Fernanda smiled and continued, “Christina is the brightest ray of sunshine in this crazy life of ours!” (fb)