Our Programs
First 5 Fox Valley Programs
As the entity that brings partners together to lead innovative early childhood initiatives, First 5 Fox Valley (F5FV) often serves as the convener, organizer, and grant writer working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes for children and their families. F5FV oversees the programs below aimed at supporting these initiatives. Additionally, F5FV helps support a diverse scope of projects financially through acquired grants, for a list of these partners, please visit our dedicated Funding Collaboration page.
First 5 Fox Valley is thrilled to announce that 2024 holds exciting prospects for our community! We are excited to share that a Family Resource Center is in the works, and we can’t wait to unveil more details in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on how this center will benefit families in the Fox Valley area. ► Learn More
Nurturing Families from the Start
Welcome Baby Fox Valley emerged as a beacon of hope in 2019, initiated through crucial funding from ThedaCare CHAT and the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley. This groundbreaking partnership brought together Family Services, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, VPI Birth-3, and First 5 Fox Valley (F5FV), all driven by a shared vision to provide invaluable support to first-time parents.
Nurturing Families from the Start
At its core, Welcome Baby Fox Valley is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of families by connecting them with vital community resources, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for all children. This multifaceted initiative leaves no stone unturned:
Comprehensive Hospital Screenings and Home Visits
In collaboration with Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, Welcome Baby expands its reach by conducting Welcome Baby Screenings during pre/postnatal hospital stays. These screenings are followed by essential Welcome Baby home visits, ensuring that families receive comprehensive support during this critical time.
Community-Building Events
Welcome Baby goes beyond hospital settings to create a sense of community. Through family outreach events and educational programs hosted by the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, new families are welcomed with open arms. These unique activities not only increase community connections but also provide universal access programming, offering support to families who may feel hesitant about tapping into social services.
Seamless Resource Coordination
Welcome Baby leaves no family behind. It leverages the Help Me Grow Fox Valley Centralized Access Point to link families with vital resources and referrals. A dedicated coach-navigator system supports families on their journey to build resiliency while efficiently and effectively accessing the resources they need.
A Community United for Families
The success of Welcome Baby Fox Valley is a testament to the unwavering support of The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. First Five Fox Valley was awarded a Basic Needs Giving Partnership grant, made possible by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs, the J.J. Keller Foundation, and other community partners.
In parallel, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin received a multi-year grant from We Energies and the WPS Foundation, amplifying the impact of the hospital assessment component of the Welcome Baby project.
Welcome Baby Fox Valley is a lifeline for new parents, a community-driven initiative that empowers families from the very start. Through screenings, connecting events, and unwavering support, it creates a nurturing environment where families can flourish, children can thrive, and everyone has access to the support they need during the crucial early stages of childhood.
Supporting Early Childhood Development
In 2020, First 5 Fox Valley (F5FV) proudly assumed the role of the Wisconsin state affiliate for the Help Me Grow National Center. This marked a significant milestone in our commitment to early childhood development. The Help Me Grow initiative operates on an evidence-based early childhood model, designed to leverage and enhance existing community resources to build a comprehensive approach to early childhood system development.
Expanding Reach Across States
With 29 states and 142 Help Me Grow affiliate systems across the United States, F5FV takes the lead in Wisconsin, championing the Help Me Grow program. We’ve pioneered an innovative “Community Partnership” model, setting an example that piques the interest of affiliates nationwide. Under this model, we collaborate with partner agencies, compensating them for their staff’s time dedicated to working with families already in their programs.
Empowering Families with Resources
To empower families with valuable resources, F5FV partnered with KMAX and received funding from Rotary Clubs to create a user-friendly online early childhood resource directory. This directory, built on the Salesforce platform, streamlines access to resources much like the partnership framework utilized at LEAVEN. It’s a testament to our commitment to making valuable information easily accessible to families.
Expanding Statewide Impact
Our Help Me Grow Fox Valley affiliate has now launched Help Me Grow Wisconsin, taking the initiative to new heights. We’ve appointed a new Director tasked with managing and expanding the number of state affiliates under our system. In 2022 and 2023, we’re extending our reach to Kenosha and Brown Counties, furthering our commitment to supporting early childhood development across the state.
Measuring Success
The impact of the Fox Valley Help Me Grow system speaks volumes. We currently have 4,102 active families enrolled in this free program, benefiting 5,725 children. In 2023 alone, we facilitated 718 outgoing referrals to agencies, ensuring families receive the support they need. Behind these numbers are 13 part-time Help Me Grow navigators, dedicating 5-25 hours a week to provide regular family follow-up and seamlessly embedding themselves in the work of partner organizations.
Leveraging Funding
This project has thrived thanks to a collaborative effort and strategic funding. We’ve secured support from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families PDG grant, two Advancing Healthier Wisconsin Community-Led grants (one in partnership with Dr. Jennifer Koop from the Medical College of Wisconsin), and several smaller grants. These resources have allowed us to make a lasting impact on early childhood development in our community and beyond.
The Help Me Grow initiative embodies our commitment to building a brighter future for children and families by ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need during the crucial early years of childhood.
IMPACT
by the numbers
9,409 Screenings
In 2023, First 5 Fox Valley provided 9,409 ASQ Screenings to families, all offered completely free of charge, supporting early childhood development in the Fox Valley area.
718 Referrals
In 2023 alone, 718 outgoing referrals were facilitated to agencies, ensuring families receive the support they need.
73 Programs
The Brookes ASQ Screening Enterprise system serves as a platform for 73 early childhood programs in the Fox Valley, enabling them to gather essential developmental screening data.