Wednesday, August 14, 2019

MCH Family Outreach in Houston out in the community

Staff from MCH Family Outreach in Houston partnered with local organizations this summer at events supporting families.

Houston staff led nurture group activities for approximately 30 children during a two-week summer camp hosted by GrandParent Support (GPS), a local nonprofit advocating for grandparent caregivers. Camp activities focused on skill-building, development of self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and communication.

MCH provided activities to help children become more self-aware, such as learning calming techniques, using a stress ball, doing an “engine check” to identify their feelings, and personal journaling. Children participated in nurture group activities such as giving and receiving care using Band-Aids, learning about the impact of negative words, and performing a hand-knot to demonstrate problem-solving.

“The children responded well and were excited to participate each day,” said Nicole Washington, case manager for MCH Family Outreach in Houston. “I feel they were enlightened and encouraged to really think about how they treat themselves and their peers, families and community. I enjoyed the experience!”

Staff members Washington, Monica Aguillon-LaFargue and Larysheia Harris participated in other back-to-school outreach events in the community. A back-to-school expo for Spring ISD featured a family resource fair, free immunizations and giveaways. During a back-to-school health fair organized by BakerRipley community centers, hundreds of Houston families were connected to health resources, screenings, school supplies, uniforms, and additional community resources.