Testimonials

“When I started the fatherhood program, I didn’t know what to expect. But I learned real quick that Antonio was a cool dude, and he was relatable. The program was good for me to go through because I learned a lot about what fatherhood is about and how important it is for the success of my kids. I’m glad I did the program because I feel like it made me a better person, husband, and father. I’m going to miss meeting with Antonio because he has a lot of knowledge and always challenged me to look at situations from a different perspective. He would always ask me to look at things from my wife’s viewpoint or my kid’s viewpoint and that helped me to be more empathetic. Thank you for everything Antonio and I know you will continue to help dads throughout the county if they join.”

T.H

“So, I was in the Healthy Start program and my Care Coordinator told me about this new Fatherhood program for dads. I told my husband about it, and I was glad that he was open to it. I remember the first time Antonio came to the house and talked to T.H about the program because after Antonio left, T.H was really intrigued about the program. Yes, he was already a father, but in that first session, Antonio had already challenged T.H to things that he never thought about previously. Fast forward several weeks, T.H has completed the program and I have seen so much change in how he tends to our son and the other kids. T.H started to help more around the house and to me that was such a relief and big help because I was still recovering from the pregnancy. I’m glad that T.H did the program and I thank Antonio for working with him. Thank you, Antonio. You have helped my family more than you will ever know.”

A.H

“I’m so grateful for Healthy Start. They have helped me and my family tremendously. The support is unmatched. I signed up in 2023 and this year has been filled with support and dedication. I was anxious and unprepared having a baby after 11 years and first child with my husband also with no family and friends near because we moved out our hometown to have a fresh start in Seminole but My case coordinator Mrs. Sylvia helped me ease my mind we made plans to prepare for baby arrival; she gave very helpful information through the pregnancy such as child birth classes, safe sleep, birth plan and resources on where to get affordable household/ baby items. Anything and everything I needed they were there to help and executed. My husband also joined the Team Dad program with Antonio being such tremendous help with our marriage inspiration.



Sad to say my pregnancy ended in a stillbirth in 2023 with my baby boy. Antonio and Sylvia dropped everything and came by our side to the hospital. Sylvia handled the most difficult things for me like funeral arrangements, which was the absolute best. Then Healthy Start program and management team with all hands-on deck helped with payment for funeral services thank God because we were in a financial runt. Sylvia would check on me and stop by my house for emotional support and I needed every bit of it. She even showed up at the funeral home with just me and my husband. Shortly afterwards I got pregnant again with my rainbow baby girl. This time I was more prepared with the tools and resources Healthy Start has given me prior like counting kicks, birth plans, getting items for baby I was more confident. Healthy Start held these amazing events that allowed us to connect with other parents. I successfully had my baby girl in June 2024.

Everything has been wonderful and Healthy Start continues to support us through and out. They became the family we were missing.”

M.D

“Healthy start has been an impactful resource for me during my pregnancy. Since day one, I’ve been supported and every way possible. The free resources offered and educational lessons from week to week were not just helpful and useful, but life changing. I’ve grown so much and I’ve been inspired by my mentor particular. Her name is Shajuan - She’s been a steady rock in my life throughout this process. She brought me insight on ways I can grow and show up for not just my baby but myself. She not only uplifts and encourages me, but she truly has been a guiding light that I’m eternally grateful for. I know I wouldn’t be able to do this with the Healthy start coalition. The baby showers, tools and resources helped me to prepare practically for babies arrival and allowed me to be privy to options that wouldn’t have otherwise come across. I’m so grateful for this program and the amazing staff I’ve encountered who have been nothing but amazing.” 

D.M

“Healthy Start is an amazing and very helpful program! They helped me throughout my first pregnancy! If it wasn’t for them teaching me about safe sleep and the birth classes that they offer and the amazing communication and just down to earth on helping you in any way possible. I’m not sure what I would have done! Sylvia was the person who I had for my first pregnancy and she was and still is a true blessing in my life. Once I found out I was pregnant again I quickly reached out and enrolled. I took all the classes again just to get my mind and body all over again!



Healthy Start is a great program and I’m happy that I found it.

Thank you Healthy Start for everything you do to help out the community and the people in need.”

N.A