2014 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Nurse-Family Partnership

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Family Services, Health, Health (General & Financing), Human Services, Public Health

Mission: Nurse-Family Partnership’s mission is to empower first-time mothers living in poverty to successfully change their lives and the lives of their children through evidence-based nurse home visiting.

Community Stories

42 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

Jennifer402 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/17/2014

I am a NFP supervisor after working 14 years as a NFP home visitor. This program is my professional passion, and my focus. I am priveledged to have experienced and witnessed the huge objective and subjective outcomes of providing this model. I have families who come back years later to thank me and our nurses for the changes we helped facilitate in their lives. Many say we saved their lives. Everyday I go to work, I know I am making a difference in our most fragile families. This is the best program and deserves to be recognized as the best nonprofit!

1

Roger29 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/02/2014

NFP is the most effective intervention out there for improving child health and development, and for assisting young, single moms. Plus it has strong research evidence of its effectiveness.

dynastypainting Donor

Rating: 5

10/01/2014

I repeatedly hear from recipient families and professional advocates that Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) leads the way in supporting parent/child stability, health and safety. Thank you NFP; keep up the great work. I will continue to support your efforts for years to come.

NurseHVHeather Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/30/2014

I have been an RN for over 30 years and this is my most favorite job. Often when nurses work in acute care we feel the burden to help change lives but we are not given the time to make that impact. In contrast, NFP is designed to allow nurses the time and tools to impact women, families and children in an evidenced based manner. I am very blessed to be given this privilege.

kharkov Donor

Rating: 5

09/25/2014

I love supporting an organization with evidence to show fantastic outcomes and make such dramatic changes in mothers lives! Very excited to read the new book "A Path Appears" that discusses the work of Nurse-Family Partnership!

1

LoveLife2014 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/25/2014

I would not be half of the mother that I am today without NFP. It is a huge advantage for those that need it (as I did). The resources that they provide, combined with the Nurses caring for their clients like family is SO incredibly important in breaking the cycles of not only poverty but abuse and neglect as well! This is an amazing organization!

RPWCO Donor

Rating: 5

09/18/2014

The most evidence based program in the country. NFP has a clear focus on healthy babies, and proven success helping families transition off of entitlement programs, and tfurthering heir education and employment! We all want programs with proven results, NFP actually has them!

1

JKTNYC Board Member

Rating: 5

09/16/2014

The work that the Nurse Family Partnership does has the potential to stop the cycle of poverty.
Nurses help at-risk moms learn how to mother. Rigorous studies have shown that their babies suffer less neglect; they grow up stronger, more prepared for school, more ready to succeed in life. See what Nicholas Kristof has to say about NFP in this New York Times article called "The Way to Beat Poverty": http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-the-way-to-beat-poverty.html?_r=1#story-continues-1

sarahagnes Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/13/2014

This is an organization which truly shapes the future--both for babies and for our country. A simple idea delivered by a well-run organization.

2

Ellen56 Donor

Rating: 5

09/12/2014

I first met the nurses of Nurse-Family Partnership when they volunteered to speak with the parents attending the Family Place program at the Easton Area Public Library in Pennsylvania. I loved that they sat right down on the floor and were willing to chat with the parents of babies and toddlers about any topic that came up. As I learned about their program, I was even more impressed. As a children's librarian, I received training in the stages of infant brain development and came to understand that the very first months and years of a child's life are critical in the connection of neurons for learning and social skills. I believe that the intervention provided by Nurse-Family Partnership has the best chance to break the cycle of failure and poverty of all of the many social and medical programs available. I donate as much as I am able every year. These nurses are my heroes.

1

acollazo Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/12/2014

Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based program that empowers first-time mothers to succeed. I have had the great privilege of working as a Registered Nurse in this program through the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas for six years. Being a part of this program and getting to walk through pregnancy and new motherhood with young women in my community is extremely fulfilling. NFP focuses on improving pregnancy outcomes, improving the health and development of the child, and helping families move toward self-sufficiency. Every community needs this program! It truly does change lives and has a long-lasting effect on the overall health and well-being of the community.

1

lalittleone18 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/25/2013

Nurse Family Partnership has been a great help to me. They help teen moms get ready and prepare for the new beginning as a first time mom, they talk to you, give you advise on what to exect as a new mommy. Having someone that I can talk to and express I felt during my pregnancy was really awesome! I got to learn many things I did not know about and I really felt the guide. Best of all, they are very supportive nd friendly.

3

Ativanprn2006 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

I was one of the original " teen moms " that helped pilot the program. I was seventeen and pregnant with my first child. Because of their support and counciling, I sought prenatal care and learned about breast feeding . I stayed in school and felt so encouraged I waited eight years to have another baby. I waited because I wanted to be just like the great nurses who cared for me and my daughter. They gave me a chance to dream and taught me I didn't have to be a statistic . I graduated from collage in the top ten of my nursing class with my BSN. I am now a labor, delivery, and postpartum nurse getting to teach young mothers the same encouraging messages I was taught and give them the same nonjudgmental support I received. As a result Of nurse family partnership I am the successful married employed mother of five beautiful children I am today.

1

Margaret Kelley Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/15/2013

Given the rise in single parenthood and the resulting risk for the family with no support systems, financially or emotionally, the nurse-family partnership is an invaluable asset. The best part too is the consistency of the support and care given to the mother early on in her pregnancy and continuing until the child is 2 years of age. The statistics reflect the better outcomes for the mother and baby and hopefully dad too. The incidence of child abuse is decreased significantly with this program. That alone is worth an excellent rating in my view!

lilittaylor Donor

Rating: 5

10/10/2013

Nurse-Family Partnership saves the young mother by teaching her how to mother. It saves the child because now the child can be nurtured and saves the future child of that child because the cycle is broken. Study after study shows that getting in there when the child is young will change the course of that child's life. Essentially giving them a life.

smvukovich Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/10/2013

I am proud to be a part of Nurse Family Partnership. I have been with the program one year and truly believe in the program's ability to encourage first-time mothers to succeed and better their lives, as well as those of their babies. It is individualized to each client and her unique situation and fosters growth in the areas that are meaningful to each client. I am learning as much from the clients as I believe they are learning from the NFP program!

TriciaF2013 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/07/2013

This program is serving first time, low income mothers. It helps to provide education and resources to help establish a positive bond between the infant and the mother along with promoting helathy living. The pair has the undivided attention from a nurse every one to two weeks in their homes. Clients appreciate this 1:1 attention. I wish this program was availbale to me when I was a first time mother!

jmathews2 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/07/2013

This program is for women who are having their first baby. The program has been around for over thirty years. It's research based and its success is evidenced by improved pregnancy outcomes, child and health development and economic self sufficiency of the family. Families who participate in the program show less incidence of drug and alcohol abuse, better employment for moms, and better performance in school by the kids. The nationwide program has initiated a program in the second largest school district in the nation, at the Los Angeles Unified School District in which school nurses provide services to first time pregnant teen students.

Amber1130 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/07/2013

Nurse Family Partnership is a program like no other. NFP provides an invaluable service for first time moms and focuses on all areas of health. NFP nurses do more than make visits to families. NFP nurses stand beside their clients during some of the most difficult times in their lives. NFP nurses walk beside the client on their journey. Every first time mom should have an NFP nurse!

cilowary Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/07/2013

NFP is a great Nurse Home visiting Program that helps first time moms and stays with the family until the baby turns two years old. They do great work in our community!

1

Lisa Dillard Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/05/2013

Being on the front lines of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) has broadened my view of what makes for a healthy Mom, baby, family and community. An effective program is what makes the difference, one vulnerable family at a time. After 25 years as a maternal child and community health nurse, I have found the NFP practice that merges nursing as an art and a science. That is the key ingredient to creating healthier families within the community. NFP utilizes the science behind randomized controlled trials and emerging data with nursings compassion for others, to deliver the most productive results shown for improving outcomes among low-income, first-time families. Building upon a strong nurse-client relationship paves the way for behavioral changes that become a lifelong measure of individual perseverence. NFP creates opportunity for healthier families which contributes to a healthy community, a thriving state and nation that cares about the future. NFP is not only an effective program, it is essential for assuring strong families for tomorrow (Lisa Dillard, RN, MSN, Texas).

Hoosiers Care Donor

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

My donations go to organizations who have proven to improve the quality of life of those they serve and lower government spending. This is exactly what Nurse-Family Partnership does in America.

shoustone Client Served

Rating: 3

10/04/2013

My nurses were experts at what they did. Any question I had they had the answer or helped me get a solution. They helped me with clothes and diapers for my child and assisted me in finding daycare as a new mother. I really enjoyed having this program while I had it but unfortunately they cancelled the program in Far Rockaway and all of Queens, NY without any warning. This happened before Huricane Sandy so it wasn't due to hurricane damage. I don't think it's fair to Queens residents especially residents in Far Rockaway. We have no help out here. This program really helped me in the beginning. I wish they would restore the Far Rockaway program.

bjh51 Advisor

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

This is one of the most awsome programs out there. The expertise that these specially trained nurses are given enhance the understanding of themselves and their child and children to come in a very special way. I wish this was available to me when I was pregnant and started to take care of my baby. There is no how to book out there when you have a baby but this is the closest thing you will find.

tharbison Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

I am a Registered Nurse in Columbia County, Oregon. I was trained in NFP in 2009 and worked in Arizona a few months. What a difference NFP makes in the lives of mommies and babies! There is a big need for the intensive visiting schedule NFP uses here in my county!

wendygreene Donor

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

We were looking for charities to support that had proven success and constantly evaluated their work to ensure effective help for families. NFP was it for us.

slhodge Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

I have been a nurse for 31 years and working with NFP for one year. The one year I have spent with NFP has been the most meaningful in my career. I can actually apply my knowledge and skills and see the postive impact that I am having on the lives of my clients and the lives of future generations. I have also been exposed to a side of life that I would have never experienced had it not been for this program. Because of this expouser I am more compassionate and more aware of my community. I want to be a part of the solution for those we serve. I feel that I am important and that what I do truely is making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Teee General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

I've worked with this program for 2 years. It's awesome and it has made a difference in many lives. It's a life changing program that's needed here in Louisiana. It doesn't replace your regular Doctor's , it contributes.

Bridging the Gap Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/20/2013

We are bridging the gap at mile high united way. We help foster youth bridge the gap between foster care and adulthood. NFP Denver has been a great friend to our program. A high percentage of foster care alumni become mothers at a very young age. NFP stepped in to partner with BTG and help the young moms in our program. I can tell you NFP has made all the difference to these ladies. Most of our participants grew up in foster care, parenting can be very scary when you were never parented as a child. NFP helps us bridge that gap too and we appreciate it very much.

Christine Wasserstein Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/30/2012

As a concerned citizen, I’ve long been aware of the devastating negative effects of poverty on the psychosocial wellbeing of a person’s life. But also as a psychotherapist in practice for over 30 years, I’ve become particularly aware of the impact of the early environment on a child’s emotional and intellectual development. Recent research has confirmed that the architecture of an infant’s brain begins important formation in the womb and in the early years of a child’s life. (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/). How can every child, even those without resources, reach his or her full potential? What could I do to help?

In 2006, I read an article in The New Yorker called “Swamp Nurse”. It described how Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) offered to low-income first-time mothers in Louisiana an opportunity to work with a specially trained nurse home visitor from early in her pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. Beginning in the early 1970s, Dr. David Olds initiated the development of a nurse home visitation program for first-time mothers and their children. Over the next three decades, he and his colleagues continued to test the program in three separate, randomized, controlled trials with three different populations in Elmira, New York, Memphis, Tennessee and Denver, Colorado before the program was offered for replication. Dr. Olds and his research team documented evidenced-based outcomes that demonstrated how the relationship between the new mother and her nurse measurably improved long-term the lives of the at-risk moms and children. Today, there are NFP programs in 40 states, and Dr. Olds continues his longitudinal research from the trials, which continue to demonstrate positive impacts decades later.

I was impressed and three years ago, approached Nurse-Family Partnership about setting up a site in Eastern Long Island where I live part-time. The passion, intelligence and efficacy of the staff are extraordinary and some day, a NFP site may exist there. Meanwhile, I have become acquainted with the dedicated work of New York City Nurse-Family Partnership, which is sponsored by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and have been invited to serve on their Community Advisory Board. One of the NYC NFP sites, the Targeted Citywide Initiative, provides a nurse and a mental health clinician for teens in foster care, women living in homeless shelters, and incarcerated women incarcerated women at Riker’s Island Correctional Facility. These young parents have the opportunity to meet monthly as a group with their NFP team.

Nurse-Family Partnership is an intervention that provides a first-time at-risk pregnant woman with the tools to help her build her own life as well as a positive relationship with her child. The changes brought about by the relationship of the new mother with her nurse are intergenerational! I feel passionate about how NFP makes a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable youngsters and has the potential to begin to interrupt the cycle of poverty. It needs our support.

hana.low General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/29/2012

I was so impressed by the impact that the Nurse-Family Partnership model has in improving young children's health, early learning, and general well-being, in addition to parents' economic development and sense of self-worth, that I am pursuing nursing school specifically in order to join this movement. // I worked with one of the nurse home visitors on an infant and toddler brief for policymakers in Colorado. She entered the home visiting field with interests in maternal/child health but the NFP model had given her such a holistic way to think about supporting families of young children through policy, and her thoughtfulness massively enriched our work.

Julianna M. Client Served

Rating: 5

06/27/2012

The Nurse Family Partnership it the must have resource for any woman moving from solo life to becoming a mother. I joined this program because I needed help with myself so I could be a good mommy. My nurse helped me organized my life and thoughts. I appreciate her standing by me through the difficult time of transition. I am proud to say that I am loving mom. I cherish & enjoy my family and I find my life is now full of new & fun rewards.

sillian Client Served

Rating: 5

06/27/2012

i became part of the program in2007. my sister was part of it in 2004. i love this program. it made such an important, positive impact on my life. i will never forget my nurse or the wonderful things she did for me and my family. she was a tremendous support system for me. Brenda was my only friend for a long time. my nurse was always there for me, she even offered to be there with me, in the hospital, while i was having my second child, which meant an awful lot because that was a hard, hard time in my life. and i glady would have had her by my side if she did not have to work that day.she brought me diapers and baby clothes when i was in need.it was so wonderful to be reassured that i was doing a good job as a mom, to know that my kid(s) are on track with thier development. its a program that should be offered everywhere.i cant imagine a better nonprofit. its amazing. i wish i was still able to be a part of it. i miss her dearly and still text her when i need advice or have a question about my kids health. she is amazing and i am thrilled to have been a part of this. i tell everyone about Nurse-family partnership, everywhere i go. they definatly deserve an award

jeffrey.thistle Donor

Rating: 5

06/21/2012

As a director of a private foundation, the fact that Nurse-Family Partnership is an "evidence based" organization is a huge factor in making grant decisions. Furthermore, because NFP addresses a core problem which gives rise to so many other societal issues, any grant gets great leverage. I would encourage any foundation to consider NFP as a grant recipient, if its program falls within the scope of the foundation's guidelines

RetiredMom Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/20/2012

I enjoy volunteering my time to Nurse-Family Partnership. I'm retired and the well organized projects I've helped with keep my mind and my fingers agile!

Lisa D. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/14/2011

This is a personal reflection in review of the impact that Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is having on the Art and Science of Nursing in serving vulnerable first-time families. As a registered nurse in the community for more than 20 years, I can personally proclaim that the Nurse-Family Partnership program is improving the lives of vulnerable first-time families across large and small needy communities. It is an Evidence Based Community Health Program of more than 30 years, that has demonstrated mastery of combing the science of knowing with the science of caring. Integrating health and psychosocial indicators in working with vulnerable populations is critical for providers of services across health and human services nationwide.

Imagine, that many first time families do not plan their first child; many are unstable, unsupported, hopeless and lost in family and community systems combined. Many Public Policy makers have often said that true cause-and-effect relationships of this nature are difficult to establish. I can only say to stakeholders, that the time has come to simply look, listen and measure the impacts of NFP on vulnerable families across our communities. Nurses integrate the science of knowing how to improve health and well-being for first-time families along with the art of caring for vulnerable families across a 2 year period. Utilizing a therapeutic relationship that invests a wide array of resources to improve the lives of needy individual families and their first child defines the goal of each implementing agency.

Fragile families in our community are now seeking healthier lifestyles, finding more stable living conditions, finishing school, seeking careers and most importantly committing to becoming competent and caring parents. One at a time, young mothers are praised for making healthy choices to support a healthier pregnancy outcome. New parents are given "how to" guidance in caring for newborns. Others are assisted thru the maze of community services to assure they maximize available resources, thus providing a two-year safety net is in place for them and their babies. Relationships among broken families are strengthened and fathers are encouraged to be invested in caring for their child as well.

The sense of “hopelessness” observed first hand by each nurse home visitor transforms into “hopefulness” for a better future among each family served by NFP. The NFP program is one society can count on for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families across communities of high need. Nurses are committed to building stronger families which translate into strong communities that are better able to overcome barriers. The urgency of family-well being is critical to the fabric of our society.

In observing maternal deprivation, hurt, loss and suffering among young, ill-prepared first-time parents, we are challenged in our community to advocate for on-going Public and local supports for vulnerable families. Nurse home visitors are the back bone for improving family well-being thru transformational change. We have each one become an advocate in the community for vulnerable families. In the process, intensive efforts are made to improve the health, development, relationship and self-efficacy capacity of each family served.

Each client success is a silent one, until such time we resonate ways to acknowledge that there is a true measure for cause-and- effect among effective and promising programs like the Nurse-Family Partnership. Each family has a deserving capacity to be touched by the Art and Science of Nurse- Family Partnership. Funders can be assured and count on the NFP program to continue to transform vulnerable families into resilient ones… one family at a time.

Review from CharityNavigator

1

NFP Nurse Supv Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/03/2011

I came upon NFP 3 several years ago as master's prepared nurse with many years of experience in women's health. I was hired as a supervisor in a site that was establishing this wonderful program. Coming in to this program in the infancy stages, I have helped establish this program in our community. It brings such joy and sense of accomplishment to see the growth of these young women that we serve, as well as the positive feed back receive from the community. To witness the growth of our clients is very rewarding. Many clients verbalize that they wouldn't have had the successes if it weren't for their nurses. To see these young moms celebrate their own small successes and develop into warm ,nurturing parents is truly rewarding. The committment they demonstrate to the program and to their nurses is inspiring. I am very proud and honored to be a pat of NFP and the lives of the mothers we have served and hopefully continue to serve in the future.

1

sbotarel Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/03/2011

I am one of the nurses who delivers this program in the home. It is such a phenomenal program. I see young women grow and develop into the successful and supportive parents they wish to be. It is a truly amazing process to watch these women prepare themselves for parenthood and then to take on the role with confidence and accomplish their goals. Thank you for making it possible to deliver such an outstanding program.

1

tiana Donor

Rating: 5

05/25/2010

I learned about Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)in 2004 when I was working at a public health non-profit that provides maternal and child health services. Intrigued, I read up on everything I could find about NFP, and was struck by the caring, compassion, intelligence, and fierce drive for real, meaningful results that shine through in every aspect of the work. The holistic focus on helping children together with their parents makes sense to me intuitively--as does the focus on preventive early intervention, the earlier the better. But I was also impressed to find that NFP has 30+ years of proven successful results under its belt, carefully documented with randomized controlled trials, as well as Rand cost-benefit research showing multiple dollars saved for every dollar spent on the program.

5

gwynne1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/24/2010

Nurse Family Partnership means so much to me. I am both a mother of two young boys and a resident of a populated urban neighborhood. Everyday I see moms who struggle with parenting. Research shows that kids benefit tremendously when they are raised in positive, nurturing, healthy environments, but these conditions are not a given. NFP provides real skills and support systems the families that need them most, so kids are set up for greater successes in life.

7

fijune Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/18/2010

It's an amazing organization that helps women achieve goals that they never otherwise even consider - the nurses not only help them raise healthy babies, they empower the mothers for the rest of their lives. The long-term studies have proven that NFP works - the organization helps moms and babies and saves taxpayers money.

1

nmutone Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/09/2009

I first learned about Nurse-Family Partnership in 2006 through an article in the New Yorker. The article described the real-life experiences of a nurse home visitor in Louisiana. It was a gripping and fascinating introduction to a program that has continued to amaze me the more I learn about it. Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based, nurse home visitation model for first-time women and their families. In fact, NFP is widely recognized as the “gold standard” of evidence-based home visitation. The program involves regular, structured home visits by highly trained registered nurses to low-income, first-time mothers beginning early in pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second year. Through rigorous evaluation using randomized clinical trials, NFP has been shown to result in significant improvements in pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and economic self-sufficiency. The evidence of this program’s effectiveness is compelling. Independent studies have shown a five-fold return on investment on every dollar through reduction in child abuse and neglect, fewer childhood injuries, increased maternal employment, and fewer arrests and convictions, and many more. How many social or clinical interventions are based on such strong proof of effectiveness? I find it truly remarkable that this program exists and am thrilled to see its continued growth and increasing national recognition. A healthy family is the core of a healthy society. NFP is a real example of the power of preventive health to achieve meaningful and tangible results. This is a model that deserves our widespread commitment and support.

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