MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of TRHF is "to ensure that every child is born healthy, grows in a safe and nurturing environment, enters school ready to learn, and can develop into a healthy and productive adult."

PROGRAM DISCRIPTION

Three Rivers Healthy Families (TRHF) is a program of the Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Services Board, which provides mental health, mental retardation, substance use, early intervention, and prevention services annually to residents in ten rural counties in southeastern Virginia.

TRHF, which began in 1999 and is an affiliate of Healthy Families America, is guided by a diverse group of community partners, including parents, social services, libraries, child care providers, faith community, civic groups, mental health, school systems, health care providers, Head Start, and Part C services. Since its inception, TRHF has served children and families throughout the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Program evaluations document outstanding success in improving outcomes for young children who were at the very highest risk for abuse and neglect.

PARENT LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT

The TRHF staff and Board have been committed to involving parents in a leadership role from its inception. Parent leadership and involvement is considered a vital component in meeting the needs of the families and preparing them to take a proactive role in addressing the needs of their family and their community.

The TRHF Board of Directors includes parent membership as well as involvement of parents for special projects with Board members. Parents enrolled in TRHF have participated in community presentations directed toward current funding sources and potential resources. In addition, program parents have shared their views in writing within program articles as well as through newspaper interviews to accentuate community awareness.