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Services
Department of Community and Human Services
Chinook Building
401 5th Ave, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104

e-mail us
Phone:  206-263-9100
Fax:   206-296-5260
TTY:   711 Relay Service

Jackie MacLean, Director

Sherry Hamilton, Communications Manager

Employee Directory
Healthy Start FamilyElizabeth, 20, was referred to Healthy Start when she was at Evergreen Hospital with her newborn baby Amber. At that time she was homeless and not fully prepared for her daughter’s arrival. Experiencing separation from family and friends, she needed someone to talk to about the joys and worries of being a new parent. Her own negative childhood experiences made her uneasy about raising a daughter. She was experiencing postpartum depression related to her feelings of isolation and anxiety, and had many questions about parenting and her daughter’s development. More than anything, Elizabeth wanted to give Amber a healthy start in life – physically, emotionally and intellectually.

After securing a place to live with her husband, Elizabeth received services from a Healthy Start parent educator. At each home visit, the parent educator was able to bring diapers, wipes, books and any baby equipment the child needed. Such items have helped the couple keep within their tight budget. They have also been able to build their daughter’s library and Amber has learned to love books! During the visit, the parent educator was able to alleviate many of Elizabeth’s concerns about Amber’s development as well as provide parenting tips. Both Elizabeth and her husband Scott were happy to learn that their baby was meeting all developmental milestones and thriving under their loving care! The parent educator was also able to observe a very strong, secure attachment between Amber and her parents, something they know is important. Both parents are back in school or working, pursuing their dreams. Through their connection with Healthy Start at the Center for Human Services, they have also enrolled in Loving Families, a marriage education and support program.