Families First
Families First is based in The Dalles, providing support to families with young children living in Wasco County.
Info about how we help new parents.CGN-7's short video featuring The Next Door and our parenting services
Short radio interview with Karen Enns
Our core program is Healthy Start, which provides a “Welcome Baby Visit” to all first-time parents and weekly home visits to new families experiencing extra stress.
In addition to our Healthy Start home visiting program, we operate the Family Support and Connections program for low-income families in a five-county area. Our “Children’s Closet” is open to any families that would like to either donate or take gently used baby clothing, toys and baby equipment.
Our vision is a community of healthy, thriving children raised in strong, nurturing families.
This poem by Elisa Cartwright, our Welcome Baby Visit Coordinator & Family Support Worker, expresses her hopes and experience, helping families learn new parenting skills:
The Gift
by Elisa Cartwright
A fragile babe is born today
Hopeful parents light the way.
Building skills with education and praise
Helping families through the maze.
I watch amazed as strong families appear
And to think all I did was support and cheer.
What a precious gift for me to show
It’s love that makes their children grow.
Meet our Advisory Board
Karen Enns
Program Manager
P.O. Box 661
Hood River, OR 97031
541-436-0306