With government assistance and local charity, Help Me Grow continues to improve the development of Hancock County's and Ohio's children and help them gain an early start on life and education. But it is not a start that has a price tag. Help Me Grow is cost free, is not income dependent, and is strictly voluntary. While they do employ "Child Find Specialists" to seek out children at risk at Hospitals or at the Family Center, whether it be the child diagnosised with a delay or the mother receives a prenatal diagnosis that could hinder the child's development, Help Me Grow intercedes only by the parents' choice. But should the parents choose to include Help Me Grow in their child's upbringing, Help Me Grow can prove to be a valuable resource.  

Help Me Grow has been actively serving Hancock County since 2001. Prior to 2001, it functioned as Step by Step. And even before that, this benevolent organization existed in a rudimentary form focused on assisting local residents growing from two employees to a staff of nine people. Managed by the Ohio Department of Health, an organization of this nature exists in every county in Ohio. Funded on a Federal and State level, Help Me Grow gives children 0-3 years of age and early start so "…they are ready to start school", states Danielle Perkins.

Their underlining goal is to assure that all newborns, infants, and toddlers across Ohio have the best possible start in life. Help Me Grow is a thorough resource for families at their earliest stages of development. Their services include home visits-before and after delivery, parental education, developmental assessment of the child, referrals to community agencies, new-born home visits with a registered nurse, family support activities and consultation with a Family Support Specialist ("some one who has been through the program", clarifies Ms. Perkins).

But Help Me Grow is not just about reviewing your child's progress or connecting parents to community resources, they also cultivate family togetherness by sponsoring various programs such as playgroups at the center and at the park, Family Fun Nights throughout the year, Harvest Festivals that include hayrides, and the annual trip to the Toledo Zoo. Help Me Grow also gives back to the community by providing screenings at Child Care Centers and Assisted Living facilities like Birchaven. They also participate at Health Fairs at Kohl's and Whirlpool.

Help Me Grow is meshing of community resource at its finest. Not only do they receive general funds from the Federal government and the state, but they also get funds from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and Part C, which is a federally regulated program for children with Delays and/or Disabilities. But it's more than just government agencies. Local businesses like Meijers, Pinera, and various others contribute to the community by donating food and other items for Help Me Grow's various family functions.

Community, families and government coming together for the sake of the children could not be a more positive goal-a goal Help Me Grow strives for every day. With no income dependency and a voluntary acceptance, they are here to help parents and their children not only meet necessary milestones in those fundamental first three years, but also enjoy it. So, if there is interest in this wonderful agency, stop by at 604 Lima Avenue, Findlay and ask for Tammy Erwin or Danielle Perkins. Or call the office at 419-423-8687.