A Community-Driven Approach to Parenting Support

At Yard 56, a primary care practice serving the Latinx community, the Chicago Parent Program (CPP) has become an invaluable resource for families. Monica and Aya, key members of Yard 56 care team, have seamlessly integrated CPP into the practice, providing parenting support alongside essential community services. Their work exemplifies a holistic model of care that blends health, education, and social services.

By integrating CPP into primary care, Yard 56 strengthens family engagement in healthcare while providing a trusted, culturally attuned support system. "Families know this is where they can find help for everything," Aya reflects. Through their work, Monica, Aya, and their team are proving that a community-driven approach can create lasting change.

Meeting Families Where They Are
Monica, who coordinates the SNAP Outreach Program with Hopkins Community Connection, and Aya, an early childhood development expert, understand the unique challenges their community faces, from language barriers to social concerns. "The Latinx community feels more comfortable communicating in their primary language," Monica explains. This connection builds trust and facilitates access to services like WIC and SNAP. Recognizing the diverse needs of families, the team has expanded CPP’s scope to address issues beyond parenting, such as food insecurity and clothing needs. "The program wakes up other needs,” Aya notes. "And we do our best to address them real world.” This holistic approach ensures that parents gain both practical resources and parenting tools.

A Support Network for Parents
What began as a parenting education initiative has evolved into a peer support network. Parents openly discuss anxiety, depression, and postpartum stress, finding a safe space to connect and share experiences. "When clients express their needs, we don’t just listen—we act," Monica says, referring to the team’s efforts in linking families to external resources. This responsiveness strengthens community bonds and builds resilience.

Integrating CPP into Primary Care
A key innovation of Yard 56’s approach is embedding CPP within a primary care setting. Holding sessions at Yard 56 fosters trust between parents, educators, and pediatricians, ensuring better communication and timely referrals. "Parents sometimes share concerns with us but not with their pediatrician," Aya explains. "This approach bridges that gap."

Empowering Families for the Future
Beyond parenting support, Monica and Aya guide families through complex healthcare and government systems. Volunteers from Hopkins Community Connection provide additional assistance, helping families navigate resources independently. "We identify those who need extra help and empower them to advocate for themselves," Aya says.

A Lasting Impact
By integrating CPP into primary care, Yard 56 strengthens family engagement in healthcare while providing a trusted, culturally attuned support system. "Families know this is where they can find help for everything," Aya reflects. Through their work, Monica, Aya, and their team are proving that a community-driven approach can create lasting change.