FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEPS OUTREACH IN SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY EARNS FUNDING FROM VERDANT HEALTH COMMISSION

The Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) will continue its work reaching new parents with peer-based parent support

SEATTLE, WA – April 17, 2017 – The Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) has received a grant from the Verdant Health Commission to continue to reach new parents in the growing south Snohomish County region.

PEPS is a structured program for the early weeks of new parenthood designed to support new parents as they gain confidence in their abilities, strengthen their bond with their baby, and develop community. The PEPS experience strengthens families, increases family wellness, and prepares families to cope with life stresses by creating social, thriving, neighborhood-based parent groups.

PEPS has more than 30 years of experience fostering community, connections, and parent confidence in the early weeks and months of becoming a new parent. Research has shown that connections are important to family wellness and baby’s development. Good support strengthens resilience for the next milestone, challenge or change, helps create a good bond between parents and babies, and shapes a baby’s healthy development.

“At Verdant, we recognize how critical it is for young families to have the best start possible,” said Verdant Health Commission Superintendent Robin Fenn, Ph.D., LICSW. “Social isolation is a significant contributing factor to many health issues. We know PEPS’ work to reduce social isolation for parents is so important and we are thankful for their partnership in helping us reach families in South Snohomish County.”

The grant from Verdant Health Commission will provide a program fee discount to any residents in the Public Hospital District No. 2 area of Snohomish County as well as help PEPS reach new families and work with other organizations serving expectant and new parents. PEPS has received grants from Verdant in previous years.

“PEPS is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Verdant Health Commission,” said Jessica Lawmaster, executive director of PEPS. “Verdant is approaching community health in a comprehensive and holistic way, and we are grateful for their recognition and support of the critical needs that new parents have. We look forward to working with Verdant and south Snohomish County communities and providing parent support to hundreds of new parents in the region over the next two years and beyond.”

Press Contact
Patricia Andre-Edgar for PEPS
206-547-8570 ext 202
patriciaae@peps.org