We at Good Beginnings of Central Vermont strive to promote the optimal health and development of children and families in our region. Our "parents as partners approach" is to promote healthy families, to create a caring community where new parents feel well connected, and every baby can enjoy a "good beginning".
Our Beliefs
- We believe that the parent-child relationship is the most critical factor in the development of emotional, cognitive, physical and social health of children.
- We believe that the development of a trusting, respectful, genuine caring relationship between parents and those who help them is essential.
- We believe that prevention is better than intervention, and that all families deserve voluntary and timely access to family health and support services.
- We believe that families are the experts about their own lives.
- We welcome parents as partners in the governance of the agency.
- We encourage laughter and joy in our interactions with children and families and with our colleagues.
- We believe that nothing is more important in life than our relationships with each other.
Our Services
Good Beginnings matches a trained volunteer with a family to offer the following menu of family support services.
- At home visits for the first three months of baby's life
- Support for pregnant women on bedrest
Provide infant carriers in an array of styles
- Parent Education
- Nurturing Father programs
- Early Literacy Awareness and Support
- Baby clothing, equipment, and supplies
- Vital link to community resources
- A person who will listen with compassion
- An extra pair of hands for light chores, helping with meal prep, for holding and changing baby
Funding
- A mix of public and private grants and generous donations from individuals and local business provide our funding.
- Some of our supporters and affiliates include: Green Mountain United Way, Agnes M Lindsay Trust, Northfield Savings Bank, Turrell Fund, CV Early Childhood Council, and CV Community Partnership.
Families agree about Good Beginnings
"My volunteer has been such a touchstone for me on all aspects of new motherhood. I really valued her friendship and guidance enormously."
"It was a relief to know we were on the right track with our transition."
"Caring, smart, and supportive volunteer...wish I could have had her another three months!"
Our Staff
Home visit services are provided by a fantastic team of dedicated, caring, and passionate volunteers. Good Beginnings of Central Vermont staff includes an Executive Director, Associate Director, and Volunteer Coordinator. Agency oversight is provided by an 8 member
Board of Directors.