Healthy Families San Mateo

Glenda Tupul
Glenda was referred to Healthy Families for her pregnancy. She had a history of intimate partner violence and financial abuse in a previous relationship and pregnancy. Working with her Healthy Families San Mateo case manager she has been able to learn about communicating confidently with her partner to balance new responsibilities and addressing the health needs of her baby. She was also connected to resources that have made a big impact for her family such as WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling and Cal Fresh. This client also mentioned wanting to work as a street vendor near her home, so she is now linked with a pro bono attorney to discuss next steps. Overall, this client said she is benefitting from the program and feels supported in her role as a mom.

Lead

Before

After

Romeo Reeves
Our San Mateo County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) referred this client to our partner Rebuilding Together Peninsula for the "Unleaded Homes SMC" services to have their family home remediated for Lead. The child was referred to our program for because he had an elevated blood lead level, and we found that his grandparents' home had chipped paint inside and outside the home. We were able to identify the source of lead so the child wouldn't have continuous exposure to Lead.

Black Infant Health

Briana Spotwood

Black Infant Health works to improve African American birth outcomes by providing culturally equitable Case Management, Health Education, Client Support Groups and other supportive services, to mitigate the historical and systemic racism and inequities that has contributed to disparities like higher Maternal and Infant death rates.

Briana Spotwood, a native of East Palo Alto, has had 2 children in Black Infant Health and has participated in both our Prenatal and Post Partum Groups. She has also had numerous friends and family who participated in the program. Briana credits Black Infant Health with helping her better understand her role as a Black mother.

Ambulatory Clinics

Fatima, age 4

At her first visit to San Mateo Medical Center, three-year-old Fatima was found to have delayed language skills. A hearing evaluation revealed she was significantly hearing impaired. Social Worker Janette Blancaluz-Hansen helped Fatima’s parents—who are Spanish-speaking and have limited literacy—access vital community resources. She connected them to Hands and Voices, an organization supporting families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and helped enroll Fatima in the special needs program at Laurel Elementary. Janette even joined the family on Fatima’s first day to ensure a smooth transition. Later, Fatima was referred to the California School for the Deaf, where she now receives specialized support. Her mother reports that Fatima is thriving—laughing more, learning sign language, and growing confidently in her new school.

Promoting First Relationships

Claudia Mori Parreno

"I am very grateful for this program since it helped me a lot in different areas. As a mom you always wonder if you are doing a good job but having a kid with special needs really makes you study your every move... Through Lilia and her observations I found out those behaviors and actions are what have been helping my son feel more comfortable around me and others ... Through the different sessions we had, I got the reassurance that not only was I doing a good job but that also the reassurance that things would be okay. As a latina that is raising her kids in a whole different way, it was nice to be able to relate and hear her say that I was in the right path, it made me feel seen and heard ... I am very thankful for this program and will forever appreciate the help, advice and words of comfort ..."

Children and Family Services

L, age 10

"“Remarkable.” That’s how the Judge described L’s journey at the adoption hearing—and it was true. When L entered foster care at age 10, L was severely neglected, unable to walk or communicate, not potty trained, and malnourished. After several unsuitable placements, a dedicated foster parent stepped forward, undeterred by L’s complex medical needs. With coordinated support from the Adoptions Social Worker, Public Health Nurse, and multiple providers, L received essential medical care, therapies, and special education services. Within months, L was thriving—walking, communicating, gaining healthy weight, and growing stronger every day. At the final home visit before adoption, L proudly showed off a new bedroom and favorite books. Surrounded by caring professionals, friends, and family, L’s adoption marked an inspiring transformation. Once facing severe neglect, L is now healthy, happy, and deeply loved in a forever home."