DePelchin and other organizations gathered November 2 to launch Help Me Grow Gulf Coast, aimed at providing comprehensive support and resources for families with young children in the Gulf Coast region.
This collaborative initiative brings together community organizations, healthcare providers, early learning programs, and family support services to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
Help Me Grow Gulf Coast is a partnership involving First3Years, United Way of Greater Houston, and DePelchin. It is part of the nationally recognized Help Me Grow system, which operates in numerous communities across the United States to organize resources, facilitate collaboration among service providers, and provide tailored support to families.
Key components of Help Me Grow Gulf Coast include:
- Developmental Screenings: Help Me Grow Gulf Coast will offer easy access to developmental and autism screenings for young children. These screenings are essential for early detection of developmental delays, allowing for timely intervention.
- Family Support and Navigation: Trained navigators will work closely with families to connect them to the right resources, services, and supports based on their family’s unique needs. This personalized approach aims to reduce barriers to accessing essential services.
- Community Engagement: Help Me Grow Gulf Coast will collaborate with local organizations, healthcare providers, and educators to spread awareness about the importance of early childhood development and the available resources. Community engagement events and workshops will provide valuable information to parents and caregivers.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The program will collect anonymous data to identify trends, gaps in services, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach ensures that the program remains effective and responsive to the community’s needs.
“Parents want to be the experts on their child’s development, so they know how to foster their growth and help them thrive,” said Megan Green, DePelchin’s Director of Prevention and Early Intervention Services. “Through the Help Me Grow call line, families can ask questions, participate in development screening, and be linked to services that will support them as a family. Our goal is to lift the burden of waitlists in the Gulf Coast community by linking families to personalized services for their children. Providers have the availability to serve, and families will get access to the service they need most. It’s a win-win for our communities.”
For more information about Help Me Grow Gulf Coast, please visit parentinghelp.org or contact Norma Rojas at nrojas@depelchin.org or 713-906-2108.
