Adonia, a young mother of three boys in Beaver County, is like any other mom. She has many hopes and dreams for her children’s futures. But for Adonia and her family, life has been a challenge as all three boys were born with medical and developmental challenges.
Referred to the Early Head Start program, a federally funded, comprehensive program for eligible families, Adonia learned that the program provided home-based services, including health & nutrition education and linking families to needed community services. “They came to me, which was so helpful with my sons’ special needs,” said Adonia.
Lifesteps, a local nonprofit that has been providing services since 1923, became an Early Head Start provider for the Beaver County area in 2013. LeeAnn Dragan, Lifesteps Early Head Start Director said, “We are so honored to serve families like Adonia’s. We want to see children who are at risk get a healthy start in life and be ready for preschool and Kindergarten.”
Today, Adonia is confident her boys will thrive. Sean, now eleven, is in gifted classes. Blake, age 6, is now medically stable and able to excel in school as well. Caleb, age 1, is showing a lot of progress with his communication and motor skills. Adonia concludes, “Help is available. You don’t have to do it alone. The community has services to help like Lifesteps. I know I would be lost without them.”
Lifesteps Early Head Start program in Beaver County helps low-income parents and families with children birth to age 3. The program provides free services that center on the family by supporting a child’s development; strengthening the role of the parent; and promoting healthy, self-sufficient families. In July, the program will be hosting two socialization sessions focused on “Fun in the Sun” and “Fishin' for Fun” that are designed to engage parents and children in the program with skill building through play and fun activities. For more information on Lifesteps Early Head Start services, call 724-240-1575 or visit www.lifesteps.net.
