Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS)
Contact
HANDS Referrals: 606-336-1096 (Renee Hembree)
General Number: 606-674-8716 (Kayla Brooks)
HANDS Program Supervisor: 606-225-5792 (Ashlee Clark)
About HANDS
“HANDS services for new parents in the Gateway Region to give babies their brightest start!” H.A.N.D.S. is committed to creating a childhood where children feel loved and valued and safe and secure.
Pregnancy and becoming a parent for the first time can be overwhelming experiences, which come with worries, questions and stress. Parents may wonder:
Are the feelings I’m having about my pregnancy typical?
What physical changes and discomforts can be expected during pregnancy?
What should I know before delivery and before bringing my baby home?
How do I know what my baby needs when he cries?
How do I help my baby feel secure and loved?
When should my child begin walking and talking?
How important is a dad’s role in a child’s development?
H.A.N.D.S. can answer these kinds of questions and provide parents with support in developing a parent-child relationship.
Who can Participate?
Any expectant parent or parents whose infant is under 12 weeks of age residing in Bath, Rowan, Morgan, Menifee or Elliott counties. Services are not income based.
What parents can expect from H.A.N.D.S?
All families will receive information to support giving their baby their best start. Families learn about community resources for new parents and engage in fun activities to learn more about:
- Having a healthy pregnancy
- Caring for their baby
- Bonding with their infant/child
- Providing their infant/child with enriching learning experiences
- Creating a safe and healthy home
- Growing parental knowledge and skills about brain and overall child development
Impact of HANDS
Those who participate in H.A.N.D.S. experience:
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Fewer premature infants
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Fewer low birthweight babies
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Fewer developmental delays
Parents report improvements in their:
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Home’s safety
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Coping Skills
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Support System
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Amount of Stress
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Discipline Techniques
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Anger Management Skills
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Overall Knowledge About Child Development Milestones
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Confidence Regarding Parenting Skills
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Knowledge of Community Partners/Resources
What HANDS Believes
All parents want to be good parents.
All parents want their children to be healthy.
All families have strengths.
Families are responsible for their children.
Families are the primary decision makers regarding their children.
Communities recognize their roles in children’s lives.
Communities recognize that all children must succeed.