The Mabel Morris Early Childhood Family Home Visitation Program

In 2010, the Philadelphia Nurse Family Partnership (NFP), a program of NNCC, began implementation of an Early Head Start program serving Philadelphia, through a contract with the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), and support from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, through funds authorized by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009. When the state funding ended in 2011, the program was re-named the Mabel Morris Early Childhood Family Home Visitation Program, and continues to serve families in Philadelphia through supplemental funding.

What is the Mabel Morris Program?

Every mother and father, every family can use some support. Families can get this support from the Mabel Morris Early Childhood Family Home Visitation Program. The Mabel Morris program was created to help parents help their children reach developmental goals. Mabel Morris believes in families and is there to support them.

Families receive a home visit once a week, which lasts about 60 minutes. Families will work with the home visitor to help plan activities to do with their children during the visits and the week in between visits. Together, the family and home visitor will review the goals for the child’s growth and development, and discuss how things are going for the family.

Once a month you and your child will meet with other children and parents. You will have time to get to know one another and share interesting experiences. Your family home visitor will be there too.

Who should apply?

The Mabel Morris Early Child Family Home Visitation program is geared for pregnant women or a parenting adult with children ages 0-3 years old.

Family must be income eligible

Families may also participate if the following apply:

• Family with foster child/children
• Families without permanent address
• Receiving Social Security Benefits
• Receiving TANF Benefits
• You have a child in ChildLink Services

What we believe

1. Parents know their children best and are their child’s first and most important teacher.
2. The home is a wonderful learning environment.
3. All parents deserve support in their parenting role.
4. All families have strengths that support their child’s development
5. Each family is unique. Culture and diversity is valued by EHS.

The Mabel Morris Early Childhood Family Home Visitation Program is named in honor of a very special public health Nurse, Mabel Morris. Her mother, Flossie, was barely 14 years old when she had Mabel in 1921. By the time Mabel was two years old, her family knew she was very bright. They were equally sure that she was going to be a nurse and the best nurse ever! And Mabel did just that. She graduated from Girls High School; received her nursing diploma from Mercy Hospital and advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. Mabel was and still is recognized as a public health nurse leader in Philadelphia. She always saw the potential in families to grow and develop; and overcome hardships to reach life goals. Mabel had the sunniest disposition ever and a smile that brightened every one’s day. One of her favorite pieces of advice was “knowledge is power and information is how to get it.”

In June 2009, Mabel, surrounded by her family, passed. She lived 88 glorious years. Her vision and dedication to healthy children with bright futures ahead of them will guide our work with Philadelphia families today and every day.
 

Download the program brochure here 130 KB

Contact

Kay Kinsey
Program Director, The Mabel Morris Early Head Start Program
267.765.2322
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