Healthy Families Program
Healthy Families is a national, voluntary, community-based program focused on building healthier families through prevention-oriented support services. Free, accessible home visiting services are provided to families who qualify for the program. We believe that the most effective way to strengthen young families is to foster growth and development of young parents. Through supportive interventions, young parents are better able to encourage the growth and development of their children.
What is the Health Family Program?
Who is Eligible?
Service Area
Referrals
Office Hours
How to Contact Us
What is the Healthy Family Program?
Healthy Families is a Children's Trust Fund (CTF) initiative and is administered by local area program staff. The goals of the program are to:
- Prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting positive, effective parenting skills and nurturing home environments
- Achieve optimal health, growth, and development in infancy and childhood
- Promote maximum parental educational attainment & economic self-sufficiency
- Prevent repeat teen pregnancies
Who is Eligible?
In Massachusetts, pregnant women and first time parents under the age of 21 can enroll in the program. Although enrollment can begin anytime from the beginning of pregnancy until the child is three years old, to maximize positive outcomes, the program encourages referral at the soonest opportunity. Please note that the program is free of charge regardless of income level.
Service Area:
Ashburnham, Barre, Gardner, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, Oakham, Princeton, Rutland, Templeton, Westminster, Winchendon
Referrals:
A telephone referral to our Healthy Families program will start the intake process. Health care professionals, hospitals, community agencies, and service providers are encouraged to refer families for the Healthy Families services. Self-referrals are strongly encouraged. Once a referral is received, a Family Support Worker will be assigned to work with the family. An intake assessment will be conducted to determine needs and intensity of service. A plan will be developed based on each family's strengths and personal goals.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
How to Contact Us:
Telephone your referral to the GVNA - 978-632-1230 or 1-800-382-7305
Gail Dorval, Program Director (extension 3063)
Click here to email Gail Dorval
Diana Kamila, Program Coordinator (extension 3024)
Click here to email Diana Kamila
The GVNA is a member of the Northern Worcester County Healthy Families Program
Lead Agency: Diversified Visiting Nursing Association (DVNA)
Subcontractors: Gardner Visiting Nursing Association (GVNA) and the Massachusetts Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC)