Family Connects International

01/22/2026

And we do it for moments like this.

Because brains are built at the speed of 1 million neural connections per second.

When parents are supported and can manage their day to day without feeling overwhelmed, and they can do what they do best: create positive nurturing environments when their children can thrive.

Support strengthening families like our future depends on it.

Because it does.

FamilyConnect.org
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01/21/2026

Parental stress doesn’t just affect parents, it shapes the wellbeing of the entire family. And the data shows just how serious that it can be.

Here’s the hopeful part: When we reduce stress by providing parent support, everyone benefits.

- More positive parent–child interactions
- Stronger emotional bonding
- Better infant developmental outcomes
- Improved parental mental health
- Greater stability in the home environment

Family Connects can help make this possible. Through universal at-home nurse visits, we support parents early by offering reassurance, guidance, and connections that strengthen protective factors for both parent and child.

We. Can. Do. Better.

Because lowering stress doesn’t just lighten the load: It transforms the foundations of the entire family.
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01/20/2026

"An advantage of universal programs like Family Connects NJ over income-restricted models is that they promote equity and inclusivity and carry less stigma because every family has access to support."
--Felix Muchomba: Associate Professor, Rutgers School of Social Work

Family Connects NJ, the state’s universal nurse home visitation program, has reached a diverse population of more than 3,600 families from June 2024 through May 2025, according to Rutgers researchers. The findings are detailed in the Rutgers School of Public Health’s report, “Tracking the Progress of Family Connects NJ: Advancing Maternal and Child Health and Equity Across New Jersey." 👩‍🍼

“An advantage of universal programs like Family Connects NJ over income-restricted models is that they promote equity and inclusivity and carry less stigma because every family has access to support,” said Associate Professor Felix Muchomba, who led the analysis. ✍️

➡️ Read more: https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/news/research-highlights-reach-and-impact-new-jerseys-universal-post-partum-home-visiting-program

01/19/2026

Is this much crying normal?

How do I soothe them?

Every new parent has questions. A lot of them— and that, too, is normal! Newborns don’t come with instruction manuals.

At Family Connects, our nurses meet parents where they are — offering answers, reassurance, and guidance during those early weeks.
You don’t have to know everything. You just need someone to ask.

You are not alone.

Find support at FamilyConnects.org

01/17/2026

Dr. Kenneth Dodge, the founder of Family Connects, is set to receive the Urie Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contribution to Developmental Psychology from the American Psychological Association.

Read the Full Article Here: https://sanford.duke.edu/story/kenneth-dodge-receives-lifetime-contribution-award-apa/

01/16/2026

Thank you Governor Phil Murphy and NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy for your continued dedication to the strong start for new babies and their families and your support of Family Connects.

"And, as a point of personal privilege: I must also take this opportunity to give a big, ol’ Jersey shout out to the person I’d be nothing without. The woman who I love more today than ever before. The visionary behind our success in transforming the maternal and infant health landscape, with efforts like Family Connects NJ — the most robust nurse home visitation program for new mothers and babies in the entire nation." -Governor Phil Murphy

01/16/2026

Introducing Bryan, FCI’s January VIP Employee!

For 2 years, Bryan has been an wonderful asset and essential in getting FCI through its first two financial audits successfully!

Thanks for all you do Bryan!

01/15/2026

IF parents receive timely support, guidance, and reassurance …

THEN parenting strategies increase and families feel more confident caring for their newborn.

WHEN families feel supported in the early days …

THEN stability grows, bonding strengthens, and children thrive in nurturing environments.

IF communities invest in universal programs like Family Connects …

THEN every family has access to the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed.

SUPPORTED FAMILIES = STRONG FAMILIES

Pass it on.

01/14/2026

While parenting has always been demanding, data shows today’s parents are facing unprecedented challenges.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Parents Under Pressure Advisory reports that 41% of parents say most days they’re so stressed they cannot function.

And that level of stress isn’t just overwhelming — it affects everything from parent well-being, child nurturance, and the stability of the entire family unit.

Thankfully there are solutions.

Family Connects offers an evidence-based, nurse-led approach that reduces parental stress, strengthens protective factors, and connects families to the resources they need during the newborn period:
- Lowering parental stress
- Building community connections
- Strengthening the family unit
- Supporting healthier outcomes for parents and children.

Data guides us toward what works — and Family Connects works.

Visit FamilyConnects.org to learn more.

01/13/2026

Empowering new parents and giving newborns the best start in life!

Dr. Jennifer Avegno, New Orleans Health Department Director, shares the inspiring impact of Family Connects nurse visits on NPR Weekend Edition. Listen in and discover how this innovative approach is driving positive change in the community!
Women’s Services at Ochsner Touro Infirmary

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/11/nx-s1-5645821/new-orleans-is-bringing-house-calls-back-to-support-new-moms

01/12/2026

Nathan J. Fink brings more than 20 years of experience to FCI. A fierce advocate of primary prevention and family support strategies, his work spans academia, community mental health, and initiatives aimed at strengthening families. He is dedicated to elevating the stories of everyday people striving to build connections, shared aspirations, and resilient communities.

Nathan can be found forever (re)hammering the floor nail of his old house in Durham, NH, where he lives with his wife and two feral sons.

Learn more about our FCI staff at at https://familyconnects.org/about/

01/12/2026

Being a parent to a newborn is as incredible and rewarding as it is challenging.
Sleepless nights, the many questions and new emotions … caring for whole person is a big job.

At Family Connects, we link families to the right support at the right time, so they have what it needs to thrive.

A simple check-in. A listening ear. A trained nurse who understands what you’re going through.
The right support and information can make all the difference when welcoming a new baby.

Parents, you’ve got this. And we’re here to help.

Learn more at FamilyConnects.org