First 8 Partner, Early Success Coalition, Launches ParentPlus
Home Visitation Program Supports Parents of Children Age 5 or Younger
Memphis, TN – The Early Success Coalition recently launched ParentPlus, a new referral program connecting pregnant women and new parents to home visiting services. The program pairs parents and caregivers with a skilled and experienced home visitor, who supports them in helping their children succeed. Home visitors are nurses, educators or trained volunteers who offer compassionate, convenient help at home, where families are most comfortable.
The Early Success Coalition is a First 8 partner that promotes early childhood development and school readiness by engaging families and collaborating with communities. ParentPlus connects families to high-quality partner programs in Shelby County — including Porter-Leath’s Early Head Start and Cornerstone, Healthy Families America, Nurse Family Partnership and One by One Ministries. Each offers family-centered, evidence-based service models that are proven to help parents become the best teacher, nurturer, and provider for their child from prenatal through age 5.
During a child’s first years, their parents play the most important role in their birth, growth and development. High-quality home visiting services can improve outcomes for children and families, especially those facing other challenges such as single parenthood, financial instability or social isolation. All programs are voluntary, confidential and available at no cost to parents.
Kellie Mitchell, Director of the Early Success Coalition, said ParentPlus reduces barriers to participating in early childhood programs. “We are launching ParentPlus to improve access to no charge programs that help families reach their full potential,” said Mitchell. “Parents and caregivers can simply fill out our online interest form to find programs that fit their family. By working with families where they live, we can bypass cost, time and travel barriers to accessing our services.”
About First 8 Memphis
First 8 Memphis is a 501c3 devoted to serving Shelby County children 0-8 and their families through high-quality early childhood programs. Through comprehensive Pre-K, Home Visitation, Childcare and K-3rd grade programs, First 8 successfully prepares children for kindergarten readiness and third-grade literacy. To learn more, visit first8memphis.org, call (901) 614-3672 or email ladora@first8memphis.org.
About ParentPlus
ParentPlus is a referral program that extends the support system of pregnant mothers, new parents and caregivers through high-quality home visitation services. ParentPlus works with partners across Shelby County to connect families with compassionate home visitors who provide counseling, mentoring and screening services to caregivers and parents of children from prenatal to age 5. For more information, email kmitchell@porterleath.org or visit parentplus901.org.
About the Early Success Coalition
The Early Success Coalition is a collective impact initiative that promotes shared, evidence-based practices to improve early childhood development and school readiness within Shelby County, Tennessee. The Coalition works to improve early childhood outcomes through a comprehensive system of high-quality services that engages families, promotes resiliency and supports positive early childhood development. For more information, email kmitchell@porterleath.org or visit earlysuccesscoalition.com.
About Porter-Leath
For over 160 years, Porter-Leath has been the primary resource for Memphis’ at-risk children and families. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, Porter-Leath not only gives them access to the tools they need, but also a sense of hope. Porter-Leath helps build stronger children, stronger families and a stronger Memphis. For more information, call 901-577-2500, email mbraddock@porterleath.org, or visit porterleath.org.
First 8 Partner, Early Success Coalition, Launches ParentPlus – Press Release (PDF)
