Pathways to a Healthier You receives services funding

Pathways to a Healthier You (Pathways) is participating in a statewide project designed to identify the needs of families with children born from 2019 through May 2023 to develop new or improve existing community resources and services. The project is known as Know and Grow Oklahoma: Building Resilient Children, Families & Communities.

“This is exciting because we know the pandemic presented challenges for all of us, no matter who we are or where we live. One such challenge for families with children born, adopted, or fostered during the pandemic is that these children did not experience the first few years of their lives like most children. Just as we work diligently to bring our world back to a new normal, Pathways is focused on discovering what those new needs are for these families and their children,” said Kim Whaley, Executive Director, Pathways.

The short-term, $10,000 contract with the Potts Family Foundation (PFF) based in Oklahoma City allows Pathways to bring together a coalition of known providers serving our community’s families and children. The groups will work with community members to initiate engagements, build relationships, and collect feedback. The coalition may host a booth at a community event, conduct one-on-one interviews with parents, grandparents, other caregivers, and community leaders, circulate surveys, or host focus groups.

Being pregnant and caring for an infant or toddler in an unfamiliar world presented unprecedented challenges for parents, caregivers, and families. It was also unknown and challenging for those who typically provide parenting support. However, with all difficulties, there are also new experiences that bring positive changes and growth. “This is what we want to learn from our fellow community members who had these experiences. We want to know how the children and their families are doing and if there are unmet needs that individuals and groups in our community can respond to in support of our children and their families,” commented Whaley.

“What is most exciting about this project with PFF is that rural communities are often overlooked when such projects are implemented. Many in our coalition have expressed appreciation to PFF for developing a statewide project to create a better quality of life for all Oklahoma children and families. We are one of 15 coalitions statewide serving about 25 counties, of which the majority are rural communities. This is very exciting,” said Whaley.

The Potts Family Foundation received funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of its mission, focusing on early childhood initiatives. This project aims to improve the well-being of and build resilience in children born right before or during the pandemic.

The Simmons Center, Safe Center, and Christian Helping Hands are joining Pathways in this project. The work will occur between now and the end of the year and include Stephens and Jefferson counties. To get involved and be part of this community-led project, contact Kim Whaley at kimbra.whaley@drhhealth.org.