Strengthening Families Through Home Visiting Services

“I am so thankful that I was referred to the MSF Healthy Families program and for all the ongoing support that I have been receiving.  I finally feel heard and understood.  My Family Support Worker has already helped me so much in such a short period of time.” ~Client, Healthy Families Program

We know that food, family, and education are not separate needs, but connected parts of a strong and healthy community.

Supporting families in a meaningful way means looking at the full picture – ensuring basic needs are met, strengthening support systems, and creating pathways for learning and growth. That is the work we are committed to every day.

One way we honor this commitment is through family services, where support begins at home and grows alongside each family’s journey. Designed to meet parents and caregivers where they are, these programs provide personalized guidance during the earliest and most critical years of a child’s life.

Families receive consistent support, resources, and encouragement as they navigate parenting and early childhood development. We ensure that families are not facing challenges alone, but supported by someone who understands their goals and works alongside them to achieve them.

Mercer Street Friends currently offers two evidence-based home visiting programs:

• Trenton Healthy Families TIP™ provides free, weekly home visits from a certified Family Support Worker. These visits include child development education, wellness screenings, stress management tools, and individualized guidance tailored to each family’s needs – helping to build a strong foundation from the start.
• The Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program offers trauma-informed services to ensure children are safe, healthy, and ready to learn. With an emphasis on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and overall family well-being, PAT helps caregivers create environments where children can thrive.

At the center of both programs is the relationship between the home visitor and the family. Over time, home visitors become trusted partners – offering guidance, listening without judgment, and providing a steady presence through both everyday moments and more complex challenges.

They also play a critical role in connecting families to community resources and partner organizations. While many supports exist, families are often unaware of them or face barriers to access. Home visitors help bridge that gap, ensuring families can access the services they need and supporting them throughout the process.

Families in our programs may receive tangible support such as food bags, diapers, gift cards, and essential childcare items like car seats, pack-n-plays, and highchairs when available.

Our home visiting services are designed to meet families where they are – offering a safe space to share experiences while addressing immediate needs, strengthening family connections, and supporting early learning and development.

This work reflects our commitment to supporting the whole family – helping them navigate present challenges while building tools for a stronger future. Our efforts are strengthened through partnerships with local organizations, service providers, and community groups to empower our families with a coordinated network of care. Together, this collaborative approach helps ensure families have access to the resources they need to grow, succeed, and thrive.