When my partner Irwin Bell and I met Ms. Lemille Ruiz-Barreto in December 2023, I was 7.5 months pregnant with our son, Akhsiel. She greeted us with the biggest smile and a book breaking down what to expect each month. Lemille has given us great advice and has been so supportive in our parenthood journey. She listens, answers every question, and always shows love toward our son, our pup, and our family. We’re so thankful to coordinator Amarilis Santos for assigning her to us.

Since I learned about Healthy Start during my pregnancy, it has been one of the best decisions in my journey as a new mom. This program not only offers resources and support, but they truly care about the well-being of mothers and their babies. Thanks to Genevieve, I have found not only a guide, but also someone to talk to about my motherhood. She is kind, patient, and always willing to listen and offer helpful advice. Her support has been invaluable, giving me peace of mind in times when I have needed it most. Healthy Start and people like Genevieve make all the difference and make one feel truly accompanied in this very important stage of life.

I am in the Healthy Start program and I totally recommend it since they have treated me wonderfully. The person who assists me, Genevieve, is a very good person because she listens to me, you can feel that she cares, understands my needs, and always looks for the resources I need to achieve my goals or achieve something I want. In addition, the program provides all the necessary information during the process, and I had a very nice experience in the Baby shower activity they did since I had not had one before. They deserve five stars.

I first heard of Healthy Start in 2016. In 2024, now in Osceola County and pregnant again at 39, I gave the program another chance and I’m so glad I did. From my first call with Michena, everything changed. I was connected to resources, classes, and support I truly needed. Now I receive home visits with Shayna that feel personal and caring. Healthy Start has nourished my family and reminded me I’m not alone.

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