News + Updates • Help Me Grow WA

Newsletter

May 14, 2025

April 2025 Network Newsletter

Help Me Grow Washington Network newsletter sent out in April 2025.

Newsletter

February 1, 2025

February Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter from February 2025.

News

January 8, 2025

Announcing WithinReach’s 2025 Learning Series: Navigating Parenting in Times of Crisis

Registration now open for WithinReach’s 2025 Learning Series!

Blog

December 6, 2024

A Pediatrician’s Perspective on Partnership

Our ongoing partnership with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) is dedicated to increasing awareness among pediatricians about the many ways Help Me Grow Washington supports healthcare providers and the families they serve.

Newsletter

December 1, 2024

December Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter from December 2024.

Video

October 2, 2024

Help Me Grow Washington Strategic Plan Updates Lunch and Learn

This webinar reviews the story and vision of HMG WA, highlights the 2023 HMG WA Impact Report, shares progress made on the strategic plan initiatives highlighting four partner perspectives, and shares what’s on the horizon for HMG WA!

Newsletter

September 10, 2024

September Help Me Grow Washington Parent Newsletter

Recent surveys show that teachers are prioritizing social emotional learning above academics when determining how ready children are for school. And it’s not just teachers. These skills will continue to be assessed when our kids go off to find jobs.

Newsletter

September 10, 2024

August Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

Help Me Grow WA and the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics wrapped up a series of open houses with healthcare providers in Oak Harbor, Stanwood, Ellensburg, and Yakima.

Blog

September 3, 2024

Social Emotional Development’s Vital Role in Kindergarten Readiness

Recent surveys show that teachers are prioritizing social emotional learning above academics when determining how ready children are for school. And it’s not just teachers. These skills will continue to be assessed when our kids go off to find jobs.

Blog

September 3, 2024

Vax to School: Is Your Child Up to Date?

With the new school year here, families across Washington are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. Amid these preparations, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is especially important.

News

August 13, 2024

2023 HMG WA Impact Report Released

Read the latest from HMG WA in our 2023 Impact Report.

Newsletter

July 10, 2024

July Help Me Grow Washington Parent Newsletter

As the warm months of summer unfold, they bring with them an abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. This is the perfect time for families to embrace healthy eating habits by taking advantage of the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP).

Newsletter

July 2, 2024

June Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

We are excited to share progress made on four of the strategic initiatives in the Help Me Grow WA Strategic Plan: 1. Establish a governance model 2. Establish new partnerships 3. Develop Specialized Referral Pathways 4. Define Goals and Targets

News

June 28, 2024

Embracing the Season: How Families Can Maximize WIC Benefits at Farmers Markets This Summer

This is the perfect time for families to embrace healthy eating habits by taking advantage of the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP).

Blog

June 7, 2024

Reflections and Resources from the 2024 Learning Series

These thought-provoking conversations challenging our biases and celebrating the strengths of those overcoming systemic barriers offered hope and actionable steps toward healthier futures.

Blog

June 7, 2024

SUN Bucks: Part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s New Suite of Summer Nutrition Programs

SUN Bucks will start in June 2024, providing vital food benefits to eligible children during the summer months.

Newsletter

April 30, 2024

April 2024 Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

We are excited to share progress made on three of the strategic initiatives in the Help Me Grow WA Strategic Plan. Establish New Partnerships Paid Family Medical Leave: The Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)/Equity Leadership Action Initiative (ELAI) Project recently created a set of learnings and recommended targeted strategies after over a year of exploratory research, collaboration, and analysis.

Newsletter

April 18, 2024

April 2024 Help Me Grow Washington Parent Newsletter

Join us for this year’s virtual Learning Series! WithinReach, the Washington state affiliate for Help Me Grow, is excited to invite you to our spring learning series on pregnancy and postpartum support throughout May. We will spotlight topics of connection, partnership, and advocacy as we explore ideas and innovations in communities throughout Washington.

Event

Start: End:

05/01/2024 12:00 pm 05/30/2024 1:00 pm

2024 Learning Series: Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

WithinReach is excited to host a spring learning series, Pregnancy and Postpartum Support, throughout the month of May. These free weekly webinars will spotlight topics of connection, partnership and advocacy as we explore ideas and innovations in communities throughout Washington.

Newsletter

March 19, 2024

March 2024 Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

Announcing the NEW Help Me Grow Washington Website We are excited to announce HelpMeGrowWA.org, our fully revamped online hub where families, providers and partners can find all the essential resources they have come to rely on for health, food, basic needs, child development, parenting, pregnancy and childbirth.

Newsletter

March 18, 2024

March 2024 Help Me Grow Washington Parent Newsletter

Announcing the NEW Help Me Grow Washington Website We are excited to announce HelpMeGrowWA.org, our fully revamped online hub where families, providers and partners can find all the essential resources they have come to rely on for health, food, basic needs, child development, parenting, pregnancy and childbirth.

Blog

January 26, 2024

Family Spotlight: Maria

Our family-centered, empathetic approach created a place where Maria felt she could open up about her past, talk through barriers she continued to face, and get connected to community supports that will help her meet her goals.

News

January 26, 2024

Seattle/King County Clinic Returns

From February 15-18, Seattle/King County Clinic will offer FREE dental, vision, and medical services to anyone who struggles to access or afford healthcare.

Blog

January 25, 2024

Want to learn more about your child’s development?

Developmental screenings are a series of illustrated questionnaires that can be completed by the person who knows your child best, YOU.

News

January 23, 2024

Help Me Grow Washington Tribal Adaptation Project Update

Over the last year, in partnership with Native-owned firm, Kauffman and Associates, Tribes were invited to share programmatic strengths, gaps, and challenges to guide Help Me Grow adaptations in their communities.

Newsletter

December 26, 2023

December 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Network Newsletter

Help Me Grow Washington Network News What a year! We saw the launch of Help Me Grow Washington’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan, designed to unleash the power of the network to weave together state and community systems, providers, and resources to offer a full spectrum of supports to all families with young children in Washington state.

Newsletter

November 6, 2023

October 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

This month, we’re excited about the energy and early progress around the recently released Help Me Grow WA Strategic Plan. See HMG WA network updates in the context of how we’re making progress on these initiatives!

Newsletter

September 13, 2023

August 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

We have exciting updates on the new Help Me Grow WA website and new funding to support our collaborative work! Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about new work and updates.

Video

August 7, 2023

HMG WA Strategic Plan Lunch & Learn

This webinar tells the story of the Help Me Grow WA Network, dives into the vision and priorities based on the strategic plan, gives examples of strategic initiatives in action, and talks about what’s on the horizon and how to join the momentum!

Newsletter

July 5, 2023

June 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

We are excited to announce the launch of our 2023-28 Strategic Plan! We invite you to read our full plan and other exciting HMG news.

News

June 22, 2023

Help Me Grow Washington Announces New Strategic Plan

Help Me Grow WA’s new strategic plan sets the course for Help Me Grow Washington’s future and lays out six focus areas and nine strategic initiatives that we’ll work to accomplish in the next five years.

Video

June 21, 2023

A Brighter Future for Children Starts with Help Me Grow

Meet Luis as he navigates our complex food and health systems to get their families the resources they need, with support from Help Me Grow Washington.

Newsletter

May 3, 2023

April 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Help Me Grow Washington is continuing in the strategic planning process, which will wrap up June 2023. Read more about our progress to date and other exciting HMG news!

News

April 11, 2023

Help Me Grow Washington 2022 Accomplishments Report

Read about our collective impact in the new Help Me Grow Washington 2022 Accomplishments report.

News

April 10, 2023

Help Me Grow Strategic Planning: Recent Developments and What’s to Come

We continue to co-design with our state and local partners to flesh out a vision, shared purpose, six focus areas, and nine strategic initiatives of the HMG system to guide us over the next five years.

Event

Start: End:

05/08/2023 12:00 pm 05/12/2023 1:00 pm

Early Support is Community Care

Register today for WithinReach’s Learning Series, “Early Support is Community Care”, from May 8 – 12. This is a virtual event that is FREE to attend and open to all community members!

News

March 8, 2023

WithinReach Shares Priorities for New Legislative Session Including Increased HMG WA Funding

We are in session and seeing a lot of important efforts in our key focus areas, including requesting funding to increase HMW WA’s capacity.

Newsletter

March 6, 2023

February 2023 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

This month, read our latest updates on Help Me Grow WA strategic planning, the tribal adaptation and Resource Finder projects, and much more!

News

February 10, 2023

Help Me Grow Washington Strategic Planning Update

Help Me Grow Washington is in the process of refining a vision and shared purpose, and planning out strategic priorities and alignment of initiatives in our five-year strategic plan.

News

December 13, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington Strategic Planning in Full Swing

Help Me Grow Washington is in the midst of a 6-month strategic planning process to examine and co-design strategy and structure while articulating a shared vision for the network’s growth for the next five years.

Blog

November 10, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington: Stories from the Field

This new blog series is dedicated to health care providers and health care systems. Learn how Help Me Grow Skagit is working on Health Care Provider Outreach in the county.

Video

November 10, 2022

Help Me Grow 101

A great introduction to Help Me Grow Washington and our coalition of community members and organizations.

Video

October 26, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington: Essential Services

Watch this video to learn more about the resources and supports that all families have access to, regardless of whether they’re calling a local Help Me Grow or the statewide hotline.

News

October 24, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington Strategic Planning Process Kicks Off

Help Me Grow Washington is embarking on a 6-month strategic planning process. Learn more about this process and share your experience with HMG WA with a brief survey.

News

October 13, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington 2022 Accomplishments Report: Mid-Year Update

This report integrates data across all Help Me Grow systems in Washington to showcase our collective impact from January to June 2022.

Video

October 6, 2022

We Are WithinReach.

Meet Fatima and Luis as they navigate our complex food and health systems to get their families the resources they need, with support from WithinReach and the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline.

Blog

August 12, 2022

Need support with food? Help Me Grow Washington can help!

WithinReach understands that this might be a difficult and uncertain time for families and individuals who are food insecure. However, we’re here to provide you support, check out this list of food programs, resources and benefits you can access all year long.

Newsletter

June 30, 2022

June 2022 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Summer is finally here and Help Me Grow Washington is starting the season with some exciting updates. Resources this month include tools for discussing tragedy with young children, celebrating Pride Month and supporting child development this summer.

Newsletter

May 8, 2022

May 2022 Help Me Grow Washington Parent Newsletter

This newsletter provides more information about Help Me Grow, which connects parents and caregivers to resources in their community.

News

April 19, 2022

Help Me Grow Washington 2021 Accomplishments Report

Read about our collective impact in the new Help Me Grow Washington 2021 Accomplishments report.

Newsletter

April 8, 2022

April 2022 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Study findings show that referrals to HMG and community-based programs and services enhance protective factors to promote well-being and prevent child abuse.

Event

Start: End:

04/27/2022 9:00 am 04/27/2022 10:00 am

Effectiveness of Early Childhood Development Partnerships in Addressing Pediatric Health and Social Needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study evaluates the effectiveness of multi-sector Partnerships for Early Childhood Development (PECD) in maintaining social needs screening, referral, and service delivery for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event

Start: End:

04/18/2022 9:00 am 04/18/2022 10:00 am

Changes in Capacity to Absorb Clinical-to-Community Referrals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Learn more about findings from these studies that will guide efforts to strengthen the capacity of communities to meet the health and social needs of their residents.

Event

Start: End:

03/30/2022 12:00 pm 03/30/2022 1:00 pm

Transforming the Pediatric Well-Child Visit: Developing & Testing a New Integrated Pediatric Support Platform

Learn more about HMG National’s participation in the effort to transform the well-child visit through technology on March 30!

News

March 11, 2022

Surveillance to Enhance Developmental Promotion and Early Detection

The CDC recently released updated developmental milestones and parent tips. Learn how HMG affiliates can talk about and utilize these new guidelines.

Event

Start: End:

03/14/2022 12:00 pm 03/14/2022 1:30 pm

DC: 0 – 5™ Brief Overview Training (Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health)

Register for this free and exciting training on infant-early childhood mental health!

Newsletter

February 8, 2022

February 2022 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

February is Black History Month. Our newsletter includes relevant resources for parents and caregivers to support and learn about Black voices and experiences.

News

December 14, 2021

Check out our new Help Me Grow Partner Toolkit!

The Partner Toolkit was created to provide communication tools to support partners with their communications about Help Me Grow Washington.

Blog

December 13, 2021

Help Me Grow WA Serves Families Through Plan of Safe Care

Plan of Safe Care was officially launched on December 1 and will help more families get connected to vital resources in their communities.

Newsletter

December 1, 2021

December 2021 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

In addition to the festive cheer, our Help Me Grow network is hard at work building out the infrastructure and tools needed to help more WA children and families connect to the resources they need.

Newsletter

November 16, 2021

October 2021 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Here you can find national, statewide and regional news, and other resources for the HMG network.

News

November 16, 2021

Help Me Grow WA Mid-Year Accomplishments Report

Read about our collective impact in the new Help Me Grow Washington Mid-Year Accomplishments Report.

News

October 29, 2021

Check Out Every Mother Counts’ Advocacy Toolkit!

This toolkit is an introduction to advocacy and the tools you can use to push for change in your communities to advance maternal health and health equity.

Event

Start: End:

11/04/2021 1:00 pm 11/04/2021 2:00 pm

Path Forward 2021: Emerging Leaders

Join Children’s Alliance for an important community conversation about advancing racial equity for kids through public policy.

Webinar

October 19, 2021

Partnering to Make the Most of Child Development Supports

This webinar introduces “Help Me Grow,” “Learn the Signs. Act Early” and “Vroom” and shows how they fit together and can reinforce each other. We will hear how they are being implemented in Washington communities and let you know how you can get started with all three.

Event

Start: End:

11/16/2021 11:00 am

Race & Education: Supporting the Formation of Ethnic- Racial Identity in Early Childhood

Join The Hunt Institute on Nov. 16 for their popular Race and Education Series, which will turn its attention to Supporting Positive Ethnic-Racial Identity Formation Early Childhood. Moderated by Dr. Jacequeline Jones of Foundation for Child Development.

Event

Start: End:

11/02/2021 11:00 am

Early Efforts: The Long Term Effects of Early Childhood Interventions

Join The Hunt Institute on Nov. 2 for a conversation with a panel of the field’s leading experts on what the latest science says about “The Long-Term Effects of Early Childhood Interventions.”

News

September 10, 2021

Check out AAP’s Early Childhood Campaign Toolkit

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a communication toolkit, including social sharables, posters and graphics to faciliate communicating with partners and legislators.

Event

Start: End:

09/29/2021 12:00 pm 09/29/2021 1:30 pm

Most Ordinary Men: The Importance of Fathers During the Perinatal Period (and Beyond)

This presentation will highlight ways that fathers feel left out during the perinatal period across different spectrums, the importance of the father-infant relationship, and the risk factors that contribute to declining mental health.

Newsletter

August 19, 2021

August 2021 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Here you can find national, statewide and regional news, and other resources for the HMG network.

Event

Start: End:

08/25/2021 1:00 pm 08/25/2021 2:00 pm

Partnering to Make the Most of Child Development Supports

This webinar introduces Help Me Grow WA, Learn the Signs. Act Early., and Vroom and shows how we fit together.

Newsletter

July 1, 2021

June 2021 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Our June newsletter includes national and regional Help Me Grow news and other resources for parents and caregivers. Read more!

Blog

June 17, 2021

HMG WA Core Team Update

The Core Team recognizes the need to evolve the leadership structure to meet the need of the expanding HMG system.

News

June 15, 2021

We want to hear from you! Take and share the HMG survey.

Help Me Grow Washington has an exciting opportunity to hear from WA families and communities– take our new survey today!

News

May 20, 2021

Free Materials and Assistance: Get Started Brain Building with Vroom

The Washington State Department of Health, Essentials for Childhood Program is offering free “starter sets” of Vroom print materials and technical assistance on how to use Vroom.

Event

Start: End:

05/13/2021 8:30 am 05/13/2021 12:00 pm

Help Me Grow All State Action Team Meeting

This meeting will bring members from all six Help Me Grow statewide Action Teams together. Register today!

Newsletter

April 22, 2021

April 2021 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Great news for children and families! The state House of Representatives took a big step forward recently by passing the Fair Start for Kids Act. Read more about the bill and other HMG related news.

Event

Start: End:

04/06/2021 8:00 am 04/08/2021 2:00 pm

Brazelton Touchpoints Center 2021 Virtual National Forum

Join Brazelton Touchpoints Center in celebrating 25 years of work at their first virtual National Forum (April 6-8, 2021)!

Event

Start: End:

04/07/2021 10:00 am 04/28/2021 10:30 am

Going Virtual with Help Me Grow Outreach: A four-part webinar series

Join affiliates across the Help Me Grow (HMG) National Network as they learn about new ways of conducting HMG outreach in a world that requires remote and virtual approaches.

News

March 8, 2021

Help Me Grow Washington 2020 Accomplishments Report

Read about our collective impact in the new Help Me Grow Washington 2020 Accomplishments report.

Newsletter

February 22, 2021

February 2021 HMG WA Newsletter

It’s a busy time as we advocate for HMG in the legislature – get more news, updates and resources in this month’s newsletter!

News

February 17, 2021

Meet our new HMG Action Team Leads

Washington Communities for Children (WCFC) has filled all of the Help Me Grow Washington Action Team Lead roles. Read more about team leads here.

News

January 6, 2021

Apply to the 2021 Help Me Grow Forum Planning Committee!

Learn more about FPC roles and responsibilities, time commitment, incentive and how to apply! Applications will be accepted until January 20, 2021.

Event

Start: End:

01/19/2021 1:00 pm 01/19/2021 2:15 pm

Defining Full Potential: A Strategic Plan for Help Me Grow

Join the National Center as they share a vision for accelerated spread and scale of Help Me Grow, advancing systems that are universally available to all families. Register for the event today!

Newsletter

December 17, 2020

December 2020 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Read about our Action Teams’ work, welcome our new HMG Network Manager and get the latest news from HMG National and regional HMG networks!

News

December 14, 2020

Call Help Me Grow Central WA!

Help Me Grow/Ayúdame a Crecer Central WA in Yakima and Kittitas Counties has a new phone number for families seeking support– call us today 509-490-3009!

Event

Start: End:

09/20/2021 12:00 am 09/23/2021 12:00 am

Help Me Grow Virtual Forum 2021

The Annual Help Me Grow (HMG) National Forum, hosted by the HMG National Center, is an opportunity for affiliates and partners to network, create new partnerships, and learn from each other.

Event

Start: End:

12/16/2020 12:15 pm 12/16/2020 1:30 pm

Start with Equity: 14 Priorities to Dismantle Systemic Racism in Early Care and Education

Learn about the Children’s Equity Project’s new resource that outlines 14 critical priorities and actionable policies that can immediately and concretely advance equity in the early care and education system.

Newsletter

November 17, 2020

October 2020 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

It’s an exciting time right now for Help Me Grow WA, with the launch of our Action Teams and many more resources.

News

September 22, 2020

Watch Our Learning Series Event Video on Early Childhood Development

Watch and share the recording of WithinReach’s Learning Series event on early childhood development.

Webinar

September 4, 2020

Building the Help Me Grow Washington System

In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn how to get involved in creating an equitable Help Me Grow system in Washington, as well as about the new Help Me Grow Washington structure, including the role of action teams.

Event

Start: End:

09/16/2020 5:30 pm 09/16/2020 6:30 pm

Free Learning Series Event on Early Childhood Development

Hear from a panel of experts on one of today’s most complex and consequential health matters.

Newsletter

August 27, 2020

August 2020 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

We are excited to share important updates on the expansion of Help Me Grow throughout Washington.

News

August 20, 2020

Parents Who Lead on Racial Justice in their Communities

Register for the latest “Talking Race & Kids” conversation on August 25.

News

August 20, 2020

Join a Help Me Grow WA Action Team!

You are invited to help design the expansion of a unified Help Me Grow Washington.

News

July 29, 2020

WithinReach is Hiring a HMG Network Manager!

This position leads the planning, implementation, and spread and successful replication of the Help Me Grow model in communities across Washington.

Newsletter

July 7, 2020

June 2020 Help Me Grow Washington Newsletter

Welcome to our first Help Me Grow Washington newsletter! We are excited to start sharing regular updates on HMG efforts with our partners.

News

July 6, 2020

Building the Help Me Grow WA System

In this webinar, learn about how to get involved in creating an equitable Help Me Grow system in Washington.

News

May 26, 2020

Annual Help Me Grow National Forum

Access the recordings, slides and materials from all of the sessions from the Forum.

News

May 4, 2020

Resource Guide: Caring for Your Family During COVID-19

DCYF created this guide to help bolster the resiliency of parents and families during the pandemic.

News

May 4, 2020

Help Me Grow Affiliate Responses to COVID-19

Read how the HMG system in different communities is working to address the needs of families during COVID-19.

News

April 14, 2020

Building Capacity: Moving Beyond ACEs with HOPE in Times of Crisis

This webinar from Help Me Grow National discusses how our work can help buffer children from the negative effects of adversity.

News

April 14, 2020

COVID-19: Infants and Toddlers in Emergency Child Care

ZERO TO THREE provides recommendations to design systems that deliver care and respond to the needs of kids of essential workers.

News

March 27, 2020

Help Me Grow Affiliate Response to COVID-19

Take this survey from HMG National, to better support families with young children in identifying needs and provide linkage and referral.

News

March 27, 2020

Community-Based Workforce Training for COVID-19

Are you working with people in your community during the COVID-19 outbreak? Join this online training on March 31.

News

March 17, 2020

Our Commitment to You

We know that the COVID-19 situation is bringing stress and uncertainty for families; however, we are here to provide support.

News

March 1, 2020

WithinReach is Hiring a Family Resource Navigator!

This person will serve as the first point of contact for Skagit County families seeking information about local resources and supports.

News

February 24, 2020

Advocating for Long-Term Health Solutions for Families

The Help Me Grow Washington network advocates for long-lasting health solutions so that all children, families and communities may flourish.

Webinar

February 24, 2020

Help Me Grow System Overview

Learn about Help Me Grow Washington with WithinReach’s Chief Strategy Officer, Sharon Beaudoin, and Public Health-Seattle & King County’s Strategic Advisor for Help Me Grow, Marcy Miller.

Event

Start: End:

05/11/2020 9:00 am 05/13/2020 5:00 pm

11th Annual Help Me Grow National Forum

Please note: the Help Me Grow National Forum slated for May 11 through 13 in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been cancelled.

Video

February 1, 2020

Finding help is hard. We make it easy.

We help people across the state navigate complex health and social service systems.

Newsletter

January 24, 2020

January 2020 Making Connections

Learn more about how we gained traction for Help Me Grow Washington – a coordinated resource grid of community services and supports – in the last legislative session.

Blog

January 10, 2020

Help Me Grow: A Nationwide Movement

Dr. Paul Dworkin from Help Me Grow National talks about the Help Me Grow model and its role in early childhood system building.

Newsletter

October 24, 2019

October 2019 Making Connections

Learn more about investments to expand Help Me Grow work across the state and better connect underserved families to health and social service resources.