Lexi Mullins came across Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) through a chance phone call from a health care agency. Not exactly knowing what she was signing up for, but eager to please, she enrolled in the program.
“It turned out to be the best thing I ever said yes to,” said Lexi.
Goodwill NFP is a program that pairs first time parents with registered nurses, ongoing visits aimed at supporting families so they can provide the very best start for their children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years. Nurses build bonds with families and deliver trusted information about child development, breastfeeding, valuable community resources and more.
Lexi’s nurse, Brianna, was an immense comfort as she navigated the anxiety that came with her first pregnancy and birth. She felt overwhelmed with being the perfect parent and breaking generational cycles and having many questions. Lexi’s nurse was patient, answered her questions and also sat with her through difficult feelings. She even helped Lexi give her son his first bath to ease her anxiety.
“There’s no way to describe the peace and support my nurse gave me,” said Lexi. “She made me feel seen, supported and safe.”
With her nurse’s support, Lexi was also able to find resources to secure new housing and was connected to the Goodwill NFP Mental Health Team, a group of mental health clinicians who conduct one-on-one therapy with participants. Through NFP, Lexi has been able to grow and find herself as a mother.
“I learned to trust in myself,” said Lexi. “That's personally the biggest thing for me. Now, I don't second guess myself. I know what I'm doing as a mom. Once I finally got over the pressure and comparing myself to other parents, I’ve been doing much better.”
Over the two years that Lexi was in the program, she built a strong bond with her nurse. Brianna has not only provided support as she navigated her parenting journey, but also as she navigated barriers in her personal life.
“Lexi taught me that simply showing up for someone in an authentic way can make a significant impact,” said Brianna. “She has fought for herself in so many areas of life and never gives up. Lexi is a beautiful light in this world and I can’t wait to see everything she achieves!”
Lexi is passionate about child development and wants to take the next steps to become a teacher, her dream job since she was child. Teaching is a short-term goal, however, as she has a long-term ambition to open a daycare in the distant future.
“I would recommend this program – one million percent,” said Lexi. “It helped change my life – not just as a mom, but as a person.”
To learn more about Goodwill NFP or refer someone you know to the program, visit goodwillnfp.org.