1. Martha’s Village & Kitchen Celebrates Two Anniversaries
2. Chefs Unite to Cook Up Benefits For Martha’s Village & Kitchen
3. Helping Families Break Dysfunction
4. Co-Founders, Past Chair Receive National Recognition

Helping Families Break Dysfunction
By Patty Danova – Martha’s Village & Kitchen

   If you are like most parents today, your greatest challenge is doubtless caring for your baby while also taking care of yourself and your responsibilities. The competing demands on your time and energy make finding the time to connect with your infant quite a challenge. But, nevertheless, daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and diapering, allow for invaluable opportunities to bond with and enjoy your little one in the comfort of your home. Somehow, when the day ends and you’re looking at your precious little angel snuggled up and safe, you can’t help but think it’s all worth it.

   Now, imagine having your child while homeless. How would you feed, bathe and diaper your baby? How would you bond with him or her?

   Unfortunately, this situation is not a test of imagination for many mothers currently living at Martha’s Village & Kitchen. The circumstances that lead them to find themselves in such a predicament vary, as much as their cultural, educational and religious backgrounds. The most common denominator seems to be a lack of
know-how. As daughters, they probably never learned from their mothers the
importance of bonding with each other, creating a classic cycle of dysfunction.

   The good news is the Children’s Services Department at Martha’s Village & Kitchen is trying to break that cycle. It now offers a parenting program, through the Therapeutic Infant Nursery (TIN), that affords both mothers and fathers the opportunity to bond with their baby in a soothing and intimate environment.

   For parents like Michelle, a Village resident, the program has become a stepping-stone towards better parenting. This mother of three gave birth to her fourth child, Bethany, while living here.

   " When I first had the baby, I was lost," Michelle states. "I didn’t know what to
expect." They both started the program just days after Bethany’s birth. An assigned primary caregiver assisted Michelle with nursing and caring for the baby, who was then attached to a heart monitor. A family assessment was completed and an action plan developed. For months, the entire family participated in simple one-on-one exercises and group play.

   Today, a child therapist visits with Michelle and her family once a week, and parent-child activities continue daily to aid in their development. "We have all benefited from TIN. I’ve learned how to communicate and listen to my children in a positive and loving way," Michelle adds.

   As for Bethany, she is now a healthy, happy and thriving 9-month-old. The entire family continues to flourish and is a role model for other Village parents. Fortunately, this program continues in our Children’s Services Department.