Episode 18: Good Beginings, Postpartum support, Gretchen Elias

Resilience Radio

The mission of Good Beginnings of Central Vermont is to bring community to families and their babies. Any family with a new baby is eligible for our free services. Trained, pre-screened Postpartum Angel volunteers provide hands-on help to new parents in the home. Parent drop-in space, The Nest, is open weekly to the community on W, Th, and F. Baby Circles peer-led support groups meet regularly at the Nest and elsewhere in Central Vermont, and anyone caring for an infant is welcome. Expectant parents can enroll in Journey into Parenthood workshops at no cost for information, resources, and practical advice, and peer support that better prepares them for the postpartum period. They provide free infant carriers to low-income families and our Emergency Fund is available for families experiencing a financial crisis. During the pandemic, staff and volunteers continue to support families through expanded virtual services, home deliveries of food and essential supplies, and responding to an increased need for mental health referrals and financial assistance.

www.goodbeginningscentralvt.org

Mental Health Resources below. Also on our website here. PSI's local Helpline number: 802-276-0383 TEXT OR CALL (Central VT) PSI's toll-free Helpline (anywhere) 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)

• The PSI Helpline is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources.
• Dial extension 1 for Spanish and extension 2 for English.
• The Helpline messages are returned every day of the week. You are welcome to leave a confidential message any time, and one of the Helpline volunteers will return your call as soon as possible. If you are not able to talk when the volunteer calls you, you can arrange another time to connect. The volunteer will give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.