Project Self-Sufficiency today announced that it is launching the Nurse-Family Partnership in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties. The Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based community health program that helps transform the lives of vulnerable mothers pregnant with their first child.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a voluntary prevention program that provides nurse home visitation services to low-income, first-time mothers. Nurses begin home visits early in the mother’s pregnancy and continue visitation until the child’s second birthday. Nurses provide support, education and counseling on health, behavioral and self-sufficiency issues.
NFPis one the most rigorously tested programs of its kind. Randomized controlled trials conducted over the past 30 years demonstrate multi-generational outcomes for families and their communities. Mothers and children who have participated in the program have consistently demonstrated significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased maternal employment, improved child school readiness, reduced involvement in crime, and less child abuse, neglect and injuries.
Independent analyses has shown that communities benefit socially and financially when they invest in NFP; the RAND Corporation calls Nurse-Family Partnership “a wise choice” that has a favorable economic return to communities of up to $5.70 for every public dollar spent on the program. The Nurse-Family Partnership currently serves families in 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Nurse-Family Partnership seems to be a natural fit for Project Self-Sufficiency, according to Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of the local agency. “Project Self-Sufficiency is excited to have been selected to provide the Nurse-Family Partnership in northwestern New Jersey. It perfectly complements our existing home visitation program, but allows us to offer more intensive, health-based services to at-risk pregnant women,” offered Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The transition to motherhood can be particularly difficult for low-income women, and the presence of a nurse in the home gives the participant access to good parenting information, health and wellness education and other life skills support that would otherwise be lacking. This program changes the life trajectories for both mother and child, benefiting multiple generations.”
The Nurse-Family Partnership program at Project Self-Sufficiency will be offered to income-eligible women in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties. Nurses will visit the homes of qualified women during pregnancy and through the child’s second birthday. If the family is still in need of services beyond that date, they will be referred to one of the other home visiting programs offered by the Project Self-Sufficiency, or transitioned into on-site services.
Project Self-Sufficiency was founded in 1986 with the goal of providing housing assistance to local low-income women. Since then the agency has grown to provide an array of services aimed primarily at low-income families. Programs include career guidance, computer training, help with obtaining a GED, parenting skills classes, legal assistance and education, financial workshops, health education, childcare and family activities. The agency offers help around the holidays, formal dresses during prom season, and assistance with emergency basic needs, such as food and clothing to its participants. Most services are free and many are open to the public, regardless of income-eligibility.
Those who are interested in learning more about the Nurse-Family Partnership, or any of the other programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, are encouraged to call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.
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