Help
Me Grow Texas: Connecting Families to Community Services
In 2019, Texas began implementing the Help Me Grow (HMG) System Model. The model helps states and communities leverage existing resources. The model is made up of four core components that work together to promote optimal child development.
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With the model,
communities can:
- Identify vulnerable children;
- Link families to community-based
services; and
- Empower families to support their child’s optimal development.
The Maternal and Child Health Unit at DSHS leads HMG Texas. We provide administrative oversight, technical assistance, and guidance for HMG Texas as it evolves. Our mission
is to help build statewide early childhood systems so
communities can support the optimal health, development, and well-being of
Texas children. We want all Texas children to have access
to care that is:
- Child-focused;
- Family-driven;
- Community-based;
- Culturally
grounded; and
- Sustainable.
To learn more about the program, download the Help Me Grow handout (PDF).
Help Me Grow Texas 2021 At-A-Glance
(September
1, 2020 – August 31, 2021):
- HMG Texas reached 1,328 individuals representing community agencies
through one HMG event;
- HMG Texas trained 881 non-medical professionals on developmental
screening and/or referral and linkage; and
- HMG Texas reached 3,261 individuals (parents, caregivers, and other family
members) through HMG events promoting child development awareness.
HMG Texas Affiliates:
HMG El Paso Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | Paso del Norte Children's Development Center
Gilda Gil, Chief Operating Officer, gilda.gil@pdnchildrens.org, 915-544-8484 ext. 163 El Paso |
HMG Greater Austin Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | United Way for Greater Austin
Sarah McConnon, Help Me Grow Program Manager, sarah.mcconnon@uwatx.org Travis, Williamson |
HMG North Texas Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | My Health My Resource of Tarrant County
Stephanie Norton, Regional Director, stephanie.norton@mhmrtc.org, 817-992-8962 Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Hood, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise |
HMG ReadyKidSA Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
Audrey Rost, Director, Grants and Ready Children Impact Council, arost@unitedwaysatx.org, 210-352-7093 Bexar |
HMG Rio Grande Valley Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | Easterseals Rio Grande Valley
Pattie Rosenlund, Executive Director, prosenlund@easterseals-rgv.org, 956-631-9171 Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy |
HMG Wichita County Lead Organization: Contact information: Counties served: | North Texas Area United Way
Carol Marlar, Chief Executive Officer, cmarlar@ntauw.org, 940-322-8638 Archer, Clay, Wichita |
Please contact us at HMGTexas@dshs.texas.gov if you have questions. Find more information about Help Me Grow at helpmegrownational.org.
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