Su Casa de Esperanza, Inc.

Pre-Natal Education   A pregnant women is referred, initial data is collected, and a home visitor is assigned to the mother-to-be.  Ten home visits are made to the expectant mother. Each visit includes lessons on fetal development, finding a doctor, proper nutrition, dangers of using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy, and instruction in early childhood development. These visits keep the home visitor in touch with the family, and ensures that the mother is getting appropriate prenatal medical care. 

Parenting Skills - Parents are given instruction on effective ways to raise children.  Topics taught include  hygiene, caring for childhood illnesses, proper nutrition, discipline, values, manners, and respect.  Parents are also introduced to the resources available to them in their community.  Various community agencies participate in the presentations to parents. 

SUCCESS STORY:  THE DESIRE TO IMPROVE ONESELF—MG

Su Casa De Esperanza provides a supportive environment for our families.   Margarita participated in all phases of Su Casa De Esperanza’s programs:

Early Childhood Development Program

Prenatal Phase.  As a pregnant young woman, Margarita G. participated in Su Casa De Esperanza’s Prenatal program.   With the home visitor providing the instruction in Margarita’s home, she was able to get the support, guidance, and instruction she needed.    Margarita was guided toward proper prenatal care, proper nutrition for her and the baby, and a healthy birth. 

Infant Stimulation Phase.  Following the birth of her child, Margarita continued to receive visits from the home visitor to guide her in the care of her newborn baby.  The visits continued twice a week until the baby was nine months old. 

Toddler Phase.   Margarita continued the program with Su Casa De Esperanza through the child’s toddler years.  During the child’s toddler period, ages 1-3 yrs. of age, the program assisted her in becoming her child’s “first teacher.”  She also came to realize her important role as a parent.   The toddler program helped prepare the child for entry into more formal schooling, with activities concentrating on the child’s physical, mental, social, and emotional development. 

Margarita has three children, and has, therefore, repeated this sequence three times.  Having a supportive husband has provided Margarita with an environment where she is willing to improve herself. 

Throughout the program, Margarita has enrolled in adult English classes and in the various parenting classes offered at Su Casa De Esperanza.   Two of the children participate today in the After School program, while Margarita volunteers in the children’s school.   Margarita is also enrolled in both English and Spanish GED classes.  Her goal is to enroll in higher education. 

Margarita has commented, "my children have been monitored from before to after birth and have participated in toddlers and in programs for After School Children.  Su Casa De Esperanza is always providing programs which encourage intellectual growth.  It is a place where the programs engage both parent and children."