Category Archives: Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CFSEK and CHC Host 2026 Grant Writing Workshop

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The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHCSEK) are, once again, hosting a Grant Writing Workshop to help area nonprofits improve their grant writing skills in the upcoming year.

“Many non-profit organizations seek grant funding to bolster their programs or projects, but the act of writing a grant can be intimidating, although it doesn’t have to be,” said Becky Gray, Building Health Executive Director. “This workshop is designed to break the grant writing process down into easily attainable steps, and participants will leave with tangible strategies for their next grant application.”

The workshop will take place on Thursday, February 12, from 1-4 p.m. at the Parolo Education Center at CHC. In-person attendance is limited to 80 participants, but there is an option to attend via Zoom.

“This will be the second year we’ve collaborated with CHCSEK on this workshop, and we received a wonderful response last year,” said Kara Mishmash, CFSEK Program Coordinator. “This workshop helps attendees gain confidence in completing various types of grant applications, with a particular focus on CFSEK grant applications and evaluation processes so applicants can better understand our expectations and how we work. Our hope is that these workshops will enable nonprofits throughout the CFSEK service area to submit stronger applications and secure funding to improve all facets of life in southeast Kansas.”

For more information and to register online, visit SoutheastKansas.org/Seminar, or call the CFSEK office at (620) 231-8897.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has received three American Heart Association achievement awards for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and blood pressure management. The awards recognize a commitment to following the latest evidence-based care guidelines.

CHC/SEK received three achievement awards:

  • The American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold Recognition
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Participation Recognition
  • Target: BP™ Gold+ Recognition jointly presented by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.

“We are proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our focus on Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure management and care,” said Brenda Stokes, CHC/SEK Vice President of Nursing and Quality Improvement. “We care for more than 15,000 patients with hypertension and almost 7,000 with diabetes. These recognitions underscore the incredible work of our staff and their commitment to providing quality healthcare to everyone.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, over 14% have diabetes, and more than 11% have high cholesterol. Research shows that these conditions occur at higher rates in rural communities and are significantly more likely to go uncontrolled.

“Unmanaged, these conditions can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke,” said Stokes. “At CHC/SEK, we focus on early detection, prevention, and helping patients take charge of their health. Often, small changes like taking the right medications or making simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big impact.”

Patients can receive comprehensive care for high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol at any CHC/SEK clinic. To find the nearest clinic, visit chcsek.org/our-communities.

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Environmental Services 

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ginger Hubbard has been named Vice President of Environmental Services.

“This promotion reflects not only Ginger’s outstanding performance, but a consistent commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. We are grateful for the impact she has made and excited for what’s ahead,” said Ross Turney, CHC/SEK Chief Finance Officer.
Hubbard joined the CHC/SEK team in 2012. She has more than 30 years of experience in professional environmental services and holds certifications in hospitality management and facility and maintenance management. She is also a member of the Association for the Health Care Environment and the American Society for Health Care Engineering.

Most recently, Hubbard served as the Director of Environmental Services, supervising the housekeeping needs of all CHC/SEK clinic locations as well as five school clinics, organizing events and fundraisers, overseeing the daily operations of Stuckey’s Café, and managing operations and reservations for student housing. In addition to her current responsibilities, Ginger will oversee the daily operations and work of the CHC/SEK maintenance department in her new role.
Hubbard says she is motivated by service and committed to providing strong behind-the-scenes support to ensure frontline success. “I’ve enjoyed building the environmental services and café teams, and in my new role, I look forward to supporting great work of the maintenance staff,” said Hubbard. “Our environmental services, maintenance, and facilities teams have always worked well together, supporting one another to ensure work is completed in a timely manner to help ensure that our staff and patients have a great experience at CHC.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK Announces New Pharmacy Residency Program

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has expanded its graduate medical education offerings with the addition of a community-based pharmacy residency program.

CHC/SEK, with a long-standing commitment to clinical education, also offers a family medicine residency developed in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Both residency programs were created to address the healthcare workforce shortage by cultivating a new generation of professionals committed to delivering quality, compassionate care to rural communities.

Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the 52-week program enables residents to build upon the skills learned in pharmacy school and provides them with hands-on experience caring for underserved and rural populations. Each year, CHC/SEK will welcome two pharmacy residents, and the first class will arrive in June 2026. The residents will join the team at Apothecare, CHC/SEK’s in-house pharmacy.

“Residents will become an integral part of our healthcare team, learning not just by observation but by taking an active role in patient care,” said Amanda Treiber, PharmD, CHC/SEK Director of Pharmacy. “Supported by dedicated preceptors and a culture of continuous learning, residents will receive structured training that empowers them to grow as empathetic, skilled, and community-focused pharmacists.”

Residents will develop expertise in patient-centered care, education, leadership, administration, pharmacy practice, professional development, specialty pharmacy, and the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which helps ensure patients have access to lower-cost medications.

“One of the standout features of this program is the opportunity it offers residents to explore many different aspects of community pharmacy practice,” said Megan Martin, PharmD, CHC/SEK Pharmacy Residency Program Director. “It’s our goal to help residents find fulfillment in their careers while equipping them with the skills and experiences they need to excel as pharmacists.”

The program features a personalized approach to professional development, giving residents the flexibility to explore and expand their expertise in their areas of interest. “We’ll tailor each resident’s experience by aligning their training with their personal career goals. For example, if a resident has an interest in specialty pharmacy, we’ll include additional time and mentorship with our specialty pharmacy team,” said Treiber.

Through this residency program, CHC/SEK strives to nurture a strong commitment to caring for all patients, regardless of their financial circumstances, and ensuring they have the medications they need. “This program provides the foundation for a career defined by leadership, compassion, purpose, and lifelong learning,” said Martin. “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to grow their clinical skills while making a meaningful impact on countless patients’ lives.”

The CHC/SEK pharmacy residency program has an accreditation pre-candidate status with American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

CHC/SEK is currently accepting applications into the program. For more information, contact Megan Martin at 620-258-5731 or [email protected], or visit chcsek.org/pharmacy-residency.

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

This email and any attachments may contain confidential information subject to protection under the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164). If you or your organization is a “Covered Entity” under the above mentioned regulations, you are obligated to treat such information in a manner consistent with the regulations. If it appears that this email was sent to you in error, (1) you are prohibited from utilizing or disseminating this email or any attachments; (2) please immediately delete it from your computer and any servers or other locations where it might be stored and (3) email [email protected] or call 620.231.9873 advising that you have done so. We appreciate your cooperation.

CHCSEK Announces New Pharmacy Residency Program 12-18-25.docx

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK Offers Walk-In Flu Vaccinations 

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As flu season begins, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) encourages everyone aged six months and older to receive their yearly flu vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“It’s important to get your flu vaccine annually, because each year’s version includes the viruses expected to be most common,” said Dr. Linda Bean, CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer. “If you get your vaccination now, you’ll be able to build up immunity before flu season peaks in the winter.”

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas offers flu vaccinations on a walk-in basis at all clinics in Kansas and Oklahoma. No appointment is necessary, and financial assistance is available.

In addition to receiving the annual vaccine, everyday habits such as washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, and avoiding close contact with people who are ill can help reduce your risk of getting the flu.

For more information or to find your local clinic, visit chcsek.org/our-communities.

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins

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Ashley Hopkins. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.

Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.

“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”

In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.

“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”

“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality

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Brenda Stokes. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.

Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.

Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.

“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.

“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Youth

Inspire Health Summer Camps – Registration Now Open!

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Give your student a summer to remember with CHC/SEK’s Inspire Health Summer Camps! Kids will explore exciting healthcare careers through hands-on activities led by local health professionals–including nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and medical and
dental residents.

Inspire Health Kids Camp is for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade, while Inspire Health Academy is designed for junior high and high schoolers.
Students can choose from three summer camps, each designed to fit their grade level.

All camps will be held at the John Parolo Education Center, 3015 N. Michigan in Pittsburg.

• Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)
Dates: July 1st – 3rd
Time: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $120
• Inspire Health Kids Camp (Entering 3rd – 6th Grade)
Dates: July 22nd – 25th
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $160
• Inspire Health Academy (Entering 7th – 12th Grade)
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $160
At Inspire Health Summer Camps, students of all ages explore the world of healthcare through fun, hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and engaging lessons led by CHC/SEK health professionals. Younger campers get a playful introduction to wellness and how the body works, while middle and high school students dive deeper with clinical simulations, creative projects, and career-focused sessions. It’s a unique opportunity to spark curiosity, build skills, and connect with mentors in the healthcare
field.
Space is limited for each camp and scholarships are available to request on the registration form. If you would like to gift a camp scholarship, visit
https://chcsek.org/donate/ and select the Inspire Health Foundation.
To register for any camp visit: https://chcsek.org/inspirehealth/camp-registration/

Inspire Health Foundation is a subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Learn more about Inspire Health.

About Inspire Health Foundation

Inspire Health Foundation, Inc. (IHF) is fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals by
connecting students with experts in the healthcare field. IHF sparks students’ interest in healthcare through camps, events, hands-on learning activities, and scholarships. By partnering with local
healthcare professionals and organizations, IHF provides students with the resources and pathways they need to succeed in their local healthcare systems and positively impact their communities. Founded in 2021, IHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. To learn more, visit https://chcsek.org/inspirehealth.

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care, Kansas, Mercy Hospital, Youth

Kansas Renewal Institute Now Owns the Former Mercy Hospital.

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Mercy Hosptial Building is now owned by Kansas Renewal Institute.

Kansas Renewal Institute now owns the former Mercy Hospital.

Shanda Stewart, spokesperson for KRI, said that as of December 19, 2024, KRI purchased the building from Legacy Health and is its new owner.

“We look forward to Freeman Health System coming to Bourbon County and working closely with them,” she said. “We are currently serving 54 children all from the state of Kansas and have 110 employees.”

About KRI

Kansas Renewal Institute is dedicated to helping young people renew their lives and regain power over their mental health issues, according to their website. We understand that struggling does not equate to weakness or moral failing, and we are determined to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and grow. Our behavioral health treatment center in Fort Scott, Kansas, offers comprehensive and personalized services for mental health treatment. To learn more about Kansas Renewal Institute, call us at 888.306.4718 today. We believe everyone deserves care and respect, and we are here to guide our clients on their path toward healing.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Teacher Turned Pediatrician: Mary Jo Flint

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Dr. Mary Jo Flint.

 

Dr. Mary Jo Flint started on August 26 as a pediatrician at the Community Health Center Of  Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

Flint earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks and taught kindergarten and Head Start classes.

“I was a teacher and enjoyed kids,” she said. “I enjoy watching them grow and working with families….helping them.”

Her decision to go on to medical school at the University of North Dakota was an extension of her wanting to help kids, she said. She graduated from med school in 1991 and completed her residency at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. She is board-certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For the last three years, she has worked in Tennessee in rural medicine.

With a daughter in Kansas City and a new grandchild, she wanted to be closer to them.

What attracted her to Fort Scott was the mission of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, she said.

According to the CHC website, they transform healthcare by addressing and removing barriers faced in finding quality healthcare, and are driven to provide compassionate care for everyone who comes,  regardless of circumstances.

The medical services Flint provides are well checks-preventative appointments with children from birth to 18 years old and their parents- sick visits, developmental screenings, vaccines, x-rays, ultrasound, and mental health screenings.

“I use Evidence–based medicine (EBM),” she said, which is the scientific method to organize and apply current data to improve healthcare decisions. “I am constantly learning. If I find that something isn’t working, I don’t keep on doing it, I try something else.”

CHC has a walk-in clinic on site, 2322 S. Main, that is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the doctor’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact Dr. Flint at 620.223.8040 for an appointment for your child.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023

About CHC

Providing Compassionate Care

In 1903 Mother Mary Bernard Sheridan, a Sister of Saint Joseph, brought healthcare to the poorest in our region, building a hospital on donated land and providing care for all. She told her staff to “Do all the good that you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways that you can, for just as long as you can,” according to the CHC website.

Humble Beginnings

CHC/SEK opened its doors in 1997 on the second floor of a 90-year-old elementary school building as a community outreach of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, the hospital Mother Sheridan founded in 1903. Their purpose was to ensure that all children were “ready to learn” by providing physicals and immunizations, no matter their parents’ ability to pay. It was a mission of love in an area of critical need – a community that continues to have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in Kansas.

They quickly realized these children’s parents and grandparents needed care too and expanded services and facilities to provide quality, affordable healthcare to patients of all ages. By 2003, they had become an independent organization with 11 employees that cared for 3,300 patients.

Healthier Communities

Today, more than 1000 employees care for more than 70,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services across eastern Kansas and northeast Oklahoma – still regardless of the ability to pay.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK family resource specialist recognized for home visits

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FORT SCOTT –– When little Rowdy was four months old, his mother connected with a Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas family resource specialist to help her navigate through the early days of parenthood.

That specialist is Rene Hibdon, and she was recently selected as the Universal Home Visitor of the Year award by the Kansas Maternal and Child Health. Hibdon makes home visits and has helped over 200 parents and babies get a good start.

The CHC/SEK utilizes the Universal Home Visiting program which is a product of the Kansas Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program, through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The primary goals of the program are to support healthy pregnancies, improve birth outcomes, and promote healthy infant development.

MCH Home Visiting is available to all without eligibility requirements. According to MCH the program follows a strengths-based approach which concentrates on the inherent strengths of individuals, families, and groups to aid recovery and empowerment. Services are intended to positively impact behaviors by increasing the number of people accessing early and comprehensive health care and services before, during, and after pregnancy.

In addition to providing education on health, safety, parenting, and infant development, MCH Home Visitors screen for risk factors, link families to other community resources, and help them navigate systems of care. A critical responsibility of the home visitor is to have a broad knowledge of available local services.

“Rene makes an impact in the lives of parents and their children,” CHC/SEK Patient Education and Support Manager Julie Laverack said. “We are proud to have her on our team of family resource specialists.”

Rowdy’s mother, Brooke, started working with Hibdon when she was in addiction recovery. With a compassionate approach, she supported the new mother with advice, connecting her to resources, and helped her set goals.

One goal they worked on was working independently on scheduling appointments and follow through with connections for resources. Hibdon showed her how and also went to appointments with her.

“Now she has the confidence to attend appointments without support,” she says, adding she has now set a new goal focusing on saving and using money to provide transportation and housing for her family. “Mom has shown great growth in all aspects of her life. She has stayed in her recovery program, she has great self-confidence, and she is thriving to be a better person and mother each day. She is not only accomplishing these goals for her family, but she is also accomplishing these goals for herself.”

Hibdon and the home visiting program has made an undeniable impact on families.

“When I need you, you’re there for me and my family,” the Brooke shared with Hibdon. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is, you are always willing to assist me. If I need help getting resources, you always look into it and point me in the right direction. If I need to get some things off my chest, you’re a great listener and if I need advice, you give it.”

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