High-quality home visiting programs can make a powerful positive impact in the lives of families participating in them — and the data reveals that these programs are needed in communities across the country. This article from Urban Institute (“Early Childhood Home Visiting: Lift Up Families to Lift Up Communities”) pulls together recent statistics and personal narratives to further emphasize this point — and it includes a quote from Joan Yengo, the Chief Program Officer for our partner Mary’s Center.

Breaking down the definition and importance of home visiting programs, this article serves as a great starting point for anyone interested in understanding the value of these programs in early childhood and the challenges many communities face with funding them. Although the article focuses on other states, Joan raises the point that the District of Columbia faces nearly identical obstacles. This is why the Foundation has partnered with DC Action for Children to support the Home Visiting Council in strengthening the District’s home visiting system — ensuring that organizations like Mary’s Center, and our other partners, can continue to effectively serve and build better futures for children, parents and our overall community.

Learn more about home visiting in the District with my most recent blog post (“New Report Shows Need for Expanded Home Visiting in D.C.”).