The Blue Ridge Partnership for Children has received an AMY Wellness Foundation grant. The funds will be used to expand the Healthy Families program into Avery County. Currently the program called Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families operates in the two counties. With the expansion into Avery County the name changes to Blue Ridge Healthy Families. The program provides home visits for families dealing with a diverse set of challenges. They provide parents with answers to questions concerning proper nutrition, promoting healthy child development, and how to deal with potential stresses such as finances and housing. According to Jim Hmurovich, former Prevent Child Abuse America president, “When parental stress can be managed effectively, children enjoy safer, healthier and more loving experiences.” With this expansion grant the program can now reach all eligible families in the area. The Blue Ridge Healthy Families program will continue to have an office in Yancey County and will add an office in Avery. Call 828-682-5091 for more information.
