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These families meet each Friday at the four by 10-foot garden plot to tend to their plants, engage with their young children outdoors and learn about healthy eating habits. Two other plots are utilized by Homeless Services and the ASPIRE youth development program.
The MOMS Program at FCA provides intensive weekly home visits to new families with children under the age of three. The program is voluntary, and participants receive health-related information for mothers who are pregnant or parenting young children, links to community resources, and education on parenting and child development.
“The class is titled ‘Roots’ because it allows mothers to reconnect with their own roots, put down roots with their children and learn about growing healthy food,” says Silvia Arnoso, FCA Supervisor of the MOMS Program.
According to Silvia, being in the garden is the most natural way to work with families. Many new mothers are initially nervous to bring their children outside of the home, but the garden provides an opportunity for the mother and child to bond and explore nature. The Roots class has grown each week and currently has more than 20 participants. Some vegetables grown include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans.
“FCA is grateful for its continued partnership with Fodor Farms,” says Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of FCA.
FCA’s Family Support & Prevention services provides support and guidance to more than 1,500 parents and their young children through the Nurturing Family Network, Fatherhood Initiative, Maternal Outreach and Mentoring Service (MOMS) Program, Healthy Start, Child FIRST and Help Me Grow initiative. The program’s trained staff educates parents so they can build a strong foundation for their family’s growth.
To learn more, contact Marion Herbert, Communications Manager, at 203-523-5777 or mherbert@fcagency.org.
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