128
Here is a new way to think of CHIP – not a chocolate chip, not a chip off the old block, not really a chip at all, but an acronym for a large helping hand extended to a wee tiny baby’s or small child’s hand.
The indescribable joy and delight in bringing a new baby into the world can be dampened when money is tight and life is hard. The outstanding work of the CHIP program in all corners of the New River Valley centers on health, family and home life for children through age 6 and pregnant mothers.
The organization, part of New River Community Action, “… maintains a network of local public/private partnerships to improve the health status of young children in need and to support and enhance their family’s ability to move toward self-sufficiency.” Funding comes from CHIP of Virginia, United Way, United Fund of Giles County, Virginia Department of Social Services, foundations and private donations.
Alert: The private donations part is open to everyone.
A unique feature of CHIP is helping children in their own homes. Nurses and specially trained home visiting teams assist families with baby needs, child development, doctor appointments and home life. They can guide parents with setting and achieving personal and family goals. The staff offers consistent, comprehensive young child health care in the child’s familiar setting.
“Many young families are isolated and hesitant of people coming inside their home,” explains Shelby Kelley, outreach specialist for CHIP. “We meet a lot of multi-generational families and young children being raised by grandparents and great-grandparents with minimal income themselves.”
Once a family realizes the expansive benefits of CHIP, the door to their home, and to their heart, begins to open. “We assess the big picture,” Shelby continues. “If the electricity is about to be cut off, we help find a solution. If a window is broken, we connect them to resources which can help. If a baby needs diapers and clothes, we can take some on our next home visit. If a young mother or father wants a GED or job training, we know where to start that journey.”
The success of CHIP for its clients is in relationships, consistency of visits, help with child development, establishing goals and implementing healthy home routines. “We provide in-home visits two or three times a month, more if needed. Sometimes we are the only stable, reliable presence in their lives. Our home visiting teams bring board books and age-appropriate educational activities for pre-school children.”
There are many barriers to self-sufficiency – no transportation, little education, no extra money, no vision of upward mobility and little hope. The CHIP teams can identify those obstacles and, slowly, one by one, in small steps, address them and offer solutions and pathways to success.
“One small achievement begins to build confidence, and a second one expands on that, and a ‘can do’ attitude takes root,” Shelby adds. “We see parents start small with ‘I CAN … clean this room, read to my child, learn a trade, stick to bed times, find a job, make a good breakfast … for this baby and these children.”
After seven years on the job, Shelby relates that one of the greatest rewards is when a family accepts that first home visit. “We meet some small need and make a connection. They want us to come back. They see someone cares, someone can help without any judgement.”
After all, most of us are just one day away from an emergency that can toss our lives into chaos and uncertainty. Some people, not only around Asheville, N.C., but also in Giles County and the New River Valley, lost everything to Hurricane Helene. We must be proud that CHIP serves in meaningful ways when money is tight and life is hard ~ and each one of us can impact these wee tiny babies and small children with our donations and volunteer time.
Donations and Volunteers Needed!
Baby Shops rely on contributions of items for the healthy development of infants and young children. Diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, baby wash and lotions are the most needed things, along with clean used clothing, board books, toys, clean baby blankets. To donate or volunteer, contact the CHIP office at 540-633-5133, ext. 501. Talk to Shelby. She’ll help you help others.
