Nurse-Family Partnership Berks County

03/21/2026

To protect your little one, it’s important to know what foods to avoid, what to keep out of reach and what to do in a choking emergency.

03/19/2026

Stay nourished on Any Budget.
Learn cooking and meal preparation skills that work with the resources you have.

Locate community resources such as SNAP, WIC and local food banks.

Advocate for nutrition policies that serve you, your family and community.

03/17/2026

03/15/2026

PA law requires everyone under the age of 12 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

But, just like a seat belt protects you in a vehicle, a helmet protects you while bicycling.

Don’t skip that life-saving piece of equipment. No matter your age – always wear a helmet.

And make sure it fits – get info and steps on how to check for a proper fit at NHTSA.gov/bicycles.

03/14/2026

03/14/2026

03/08/2026

WIC services have been FREE for over 50 years to women, infants & children who have a nutrition risk, meet income guidelines & are Pennsylvania residents. Your family could be eligible. Visit pawic.com or call 1-800-WIC-WINS to learn more about the program!

03/06/2026

Youth exposure to gambling is increasing through media, advertising, and online
platforms. Problem gambling awareness month is a time to raise awareness and
educate families and communities about the risks of youth gambling.

Learn more about Problem Gambling Month on our website: https://cocaberks.org/prevention/awareness-campaigns/national-problem-gambling-awareness-month/

03/05/2026

Did you know? Reading Public Library Main Library recently became an official Safe Place location via the National Safe Place project.

Safe Place® is a national network of community locations — like schools, fire stations, libraries, and businesses — where youth in crisis can find immediate help and safety. Each Safe Place connects young people with local resources and trained professionals who care. Safe Place gives you places in your community where you can go right now if you feel unsafe, scared, hurt, or unsure what to do.

Youth do not need money, an appointment, or an adult to seek help at a Safe Place. It is a free, confidential, and available service to youth up to age 21.

Our branches are currently working towards obtaining a Safe Place status later this year. Even if this initiative helps just one young person get the support they need, we would be honored to help change someone's story for the better. ❤

This achievement wouldn't be possible without the help of our friends from Mary's Shelter. We are so grateful for their guidance and commitment to swiftly connecting with youth in crisis through this initiative. They are a driving force of making Safe Places possible right here in Berks, and they deserve our unconditional gratitude!

03/05/2026

From the first latch, hospitals 🏥 can help mothers to breastfeed by providing empathetic advice, and practical support.

All hospitals should have trained midwives, doctors and nurses who can support mums and babies in their breastfeeding journey.

03/05/2026

A baby’s brain grows faster in the first months of life than at almost any other time. Long before school begins, development is already happening through everyday interaction.

From the earliest weeks, babies study faces, voices, and emotional tone. A parent’s expression, eye contact, and response time send powerful signals that guide brain wiring.

By around two months, many babies begin recognizing familiar voice patterns. The rhythm and sound of a caregiver speaking becomes predictable and comforting.

By three months, babies start learning the rhythm of conversation. They pause, make sounds, and wait for a response. Even before words appear, they are practicing the structure of communication.

These simple exchanges strengthen billions of neural connections. When parents respond consistently with attention and warmth, the brain marks those pathways as important.

Over time, these early patterns support language development, emotional regulation, and social understanding.

Parents often worry about teaching too little too early. Yet the most powerful lessons come through ordinary moments.

Looking, speaking, and responding with care quietly shape the architecture of a child’s developing mind.

03/04/2026

The first 1,000 days—from pregnancy to age two—are a pivotal window to build healthy bodies, active minds, and brighter futures.

Investing in good nutrition during the first 1,000 days protects kids for the rest of their lives.