Help Me Grow represents an integration of three state and federally-funded programs that were previously administered separately:  Welcome Home, Ohio Early Start and Early Intervention.

Oversight.    Help Me Grow is governed by the County Collaborative Group (which has a long history of broad based participation from organizations serving "birth to five" children and their families) and the Family and Children First Steering Committee.  The County Collaborative Group provides planning and oversight for Help Me Grow, while the Steering Committee reviews and approves significant changes in the program design and assists in addressing important issues.

Staff.    The Program Director ensures that all parts of Help Me Grow are working together smoothly, effectively and efficiently.  This person is the contact for the state, the general public and program participants.  The Director provides public awareness and education, coordinates data tracking and is accountable for program outcomes.  The Intake and Referral Specialist is responsible for central intake and referral into the Help Me Grow system.  The Program Director and Intake/Referral Specialist are under the Greene County Board of Commissioners and are housed at the Greene County Family and Children First Department.

Coordination.    Coordination is provided by a team consisting of Pam Hamer (Program Director), Rose Hoersting (I&R Specialist), a GCDJFS representative and the County Collaborative Group's steering committee (this steering committee includes a liaison from the three organizations that play a central role in Help Me Grow: MR/DD's Four Oaks Early Intervention Center, the Greene County Combined Health District and the Council on Rural Service Program).

Help Me Grow Central Intake and Referral Center is housed at the FCF offices.  For referrals, resource information, or parent support contacts, call 1-800-862-5248. 

Services Available Through Help Me Grow and other system specific funding in Greene County:   (All services have eligibility criteria that a child/family must meet to participate.)

• Newborn Home Visits
• Health and physical assessment of baby and mother by a Registered Nurse
• Education and materials  on maternal and child health/development, safety and literacy
• Information on other community resources
• Referrals to other programs (e.g. CHIP, WIC, BCMH, CFHS)
• Home Visiting Services
• Ongoing home visits as determined by family needs
• Prenatal referrals accepted
• Education and materials  on maternal and child health/development, safety and literacy
• Information on other community resources
• Referrals to other programs (e.g. CHIP, WIC, BCMH, CFHS)
• Partners in Parenting Education curriculum
• Developmental screenings (DDST, ASQ, etc.)
• Parent/Caregive and Child Interaction (NCAST, HOME)
• Service Coordination and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
• Assistance identifying family needs and goals
• Regular assessment and documentation of progress
• Coordination of needed and desired early intervention services
• Family Support Services
• Parent-to-parent support contacts
• Parent group activities (i.e. playgroups, support groups)
• Early childhood and disability resources.
• Incentives and emergency assistance
• Parent stipends to attend CCG meetings and related activities
• Specialized Services
• Respite services for parents
• Evaluations, assessments and ongoing services (occupational/physical/speech/language therapy,
  developmental/specialized instruction, nursing, etc.)
• Transportation for specialized services

Contact Help Me Grow