Page 8 - ImpactReport2019

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Cal-OES’ $125,000 Grant Serves Those with Disabilities
Through its “Increased Access to Services Program,
the California Office of Emergency Services gifted
$125,000 to the Center for Healthier Communities
(CHC) to help protect individuals with disabilities from violence. CHC staff follow an
evidenced-based curriculum called “Escape Now” to provide onsite education at
New Horizons, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with intellectual and/or
developmental disabilities. In addition, funds provided additional training for 10 C·A·T·S’
forensic nurse examiners and a social worker to serve individuals with disabilities.

Safe Dates Program Teaches Teens About Healthy Relationships
The Safe Dates Program aims to reduce youths’ exposure to dating violence.
Thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Arbonne Charitable Foundation,
Northridge Hospital’s Center for Healthier Communities held four workshops
to raise students’ awareness of what constitutes healthy and abusive dating
relationships by:
• Equipping students with the skills and resources to help themselves or
friends in abusive dating relationships.
• Emphasizing positive communication, anger management, and conflict
resolution.
• Engaging students in fun interactive activities and poster board contests
with prizes.

HEALTHY BABIES

$1.3 Million Grant for Welcome Baby Program
Gives New Moms Something to Smile About
Expectant mothers are often eager to welcome their baby with kisses,
cuddles, and hugs. However, for about 20 percent of expectant mothers,
that anticipation is replaced by anxiety and depression. This can be
unsettling, not only for mom, but also for her growing fetus who relies
on her to thrive. Fortunately, the Welcome Baby Program at Northridge
Hospital addresses maternal anxiety and depression, in addition to
a range of other no-cost services and support for women who deliver
their babies at Northridge Hospital.

“Being pregnant and depressed was something I never imagined
I find myself feeling,” shared a mother who participated in the
program. “The Welcome Baby program taught me how to be strong
and take care of myself when I needed it most.”
That mom, like all patients in the Welcome Baby Program, received
breastfeeding assistance, an in-home nurse visit, baby supplies, and
a personal Parent Coach who visited her and her family in the hospital.
What’s more, in FY19, the Northridge Hospital Foundation was pleased that First 5 LA awarded Northridge Hospital
Foundation a $1.3 million grant for the Welcome Baby Program. That’s enough to benefit 612 prenatal patients, like
a grateful mom who says she is enjoying her new baby, “Thanks to you, I feel better again and have my life back.”