Our History
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families receives MIECHV funding to serve Mitchell and Yancey Counties
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families begins serving families.
Mitchell-Yancey Healthy Families goes through 1st successful accreditation
Buncombe Ridge Partnership for Children begins serving Avery County
MYHF goes through 2nd successful accreditation
MYHF secures funding from the Amy Wellness Foundation to begin serving Avery County
Program changes name to Blue Ridge Healthy Families and launches services in Avery County
Blue Ridge Healthy Families receives award from Buncombe Partnership for Children
Blue Ridge Healthy Families begins Buncombe County implementation
HISTORY OF
HEALTHY FAMILIES
Healthy Families America is a nationally recognized
evidence-based home visiting program model
designed to work with overburdened families
who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences,
including child maltreatment.
Healthy Families America® (HFA) is a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting program model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences, including child maltreatment. It is the primary home visiting model best equipped to work with families who may have histories of trauma, intimate partner violence, mental health and/or substance abuse issues. HFA services begin prenatally or right after the birth of a baby and are offered voluntarily, intensively and over the long-term (3 to 5 years after the birth of the baby).
The HFA model, developed in 1992 by Prevent Child Abuse America, is based upon 12 Critical Elements derived from more than 30 years of research to ensure programs are effective in working with families. These Critical Elements are operationalized through a series of best practice standards that provide a solid structure for quality yet offer programs the flexibility to design services specifically to meet the unique needs of families and communities. Model fidelity is illustrated through a comprehensive accreditation process. Currently there are nearly 700 affiliated HFA program sites in 40 States, DC, all five US territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Northern Commonwealth of the Marianas, the American Samoa and Canada.
HFA has a strong research base which includes randomized control trials and well designed quasi-experimental research. To date, research and evaluation indicates impressive outcomes. Reviews of more than 15 evaluation studies of HFA programs in 12 states produced the following outcomes:
For more information, visit www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org.
BLUE RIDGE HEALTHY FAMILIES
We have been providing quality services to families in our area since May of 2012. In addition to our extensive services, our home visitors use evidence-based curricula with BRHF families.. Our primary curriculum is Growing Great Kids by Great Kids, Inc. as well as numerous supplemental curricula. We offer a wide range of resources on specific parenting topics and all of our staff are intensively trained in a variety of social and developmental areas (including but not limited to: Maternal Depression, Substance Abuse, Infant and Toddler Development, Car Seat Safety.
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is funded by the Department of Public Health through Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting funds, the Amy Wellness Foundation and Smart Start funding from the Buncombe County Partnership for Children.
*See more about the services we offer on the Service Providers tab.
BRHF is a true collaborative effort between many agencies in the service area. BRHF is a program of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. The BRHF Advisory Team is fortunate to have the expertise of many of the leaders innovating change for families in Buncombe, Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties, as well as, the NC HFA MIECHV State Consultant.
OUR PARTNERS
BRHF is a true collaborative effort between many agencies in the service area. BRHF is a program of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. The BRHF Leadership Team is blessed to have the expertise of many of the leaders innovating change for families in Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties. Mark Ownbey is the NC HFA MIECHV State Consultant.
LEADERSHIP BOARD
PATH | Blue Ridge Partnership for Children | NC MIECHV State Team
MEET THE TEAM
Our employees are the heart of Blue Ridge Healthy Families.
We would love the opportunity to know you more!
NICKEY STAMEY
Program Director, IMH-E ®
Nickey is the BRHF Program Director at the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. She has served in that role since 2012 when the program first began implementation. Nickey has served in a variety of leadership roles including serving as the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Toe River. Nickey is endorsed by the North Carolina Infant Mental Health Association as an Infant Family Reflective Supervisor and holds her NC Certificate in Trauma and Resilience. She enjoys traveling with her husband and son and spending time with her cats.
828-682-0047
392 E Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
AUTUMN SNYDER
Supervisor
Autumn Graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a double major in Human Services and Religion. Autumn has been a part of Blue Ridge Healthy Families since 2015. ” Autumn is certified in administering the Growing Great Kids curriculum, Circle of Security and is in the process of obtaining her Infant Mental Health-Endorsement. Autumn is the Supervisor at BRHF and loves supporting Family Support Specialists in their direct care.
“I believe that the work that is happening at BRHF is powerful and life-changing.”
Outside of work Autumn enjoys spending time with her family and photography. She and her husband, Brent have three beautiful children; Dawson, Eden and Hayden. Autumn enjoys slow days at home with them and getting outside and playing as much as possible. Autumn’s faith in God is her grounding force and who she credits her blessings to. Her service to her job, family and ministry come from a deep desire and calling to honor God and serve Him well.
828-385-6943
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
KATIE BENNETT
Program and Outreach Coordinator
Katie joined the BRHF team in June of 2017 as the Program Support Specialist and Data Coordinator. She grew up in the mountains of NC and has a background in childcare as a teacher, center director, and in-home childcare provider. Katie is married with two sons and a daughter. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and all types of music!
828-682-0047
392 E Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
JENNIFER GUERRERO
Bilingual Family Support Specialist
Jennifer is the Bilingual Family Support Specialist. Jennifer graduated from Lees McRae College with a BAAS in Human Services. She grew up in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Jennifer has always dreamt of working with families and kids. Jennifer has a 7 year-old son and loves living in the area and spending time with her family and friends.
828-682-0047
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
AMBERLY BIDDIX
Data Coordinator
Amberly graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in University Studies with a thematic core in data management. She also graduated with a certification in Data Analytics from East Carolina State University. She has two young boys and loves to read. Amberly is excited to help families and her community in whatever way her skills best allow.
828-682-0047
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
TONYA BOONE
Family Support Specialist
Tonya Boone has been a Family Support Specialist with Blue Ridge Healthy Families since 2020. Tonya earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work in 2019, after working as a server for 16 years. Tonya has worked over the years as a weekend shift worker with the Family Violence Coalition, as well as a CPS and Foster Care worker for Yancey County Department of Social Services. In 2020 Tonya was hired by Blue Ridge Healthy Families and continues to serve families as a home visitor. Over the years, Tonya has had many hours of training through the Healthy Families program in areas such as child development, breast feeding, and infant massage to assist her in her role as a Family Support Specialist. Just recently Tonya earned her certificate to facilitate the parenting education program, Circle of Security. In her free time, Tonya enjoys being at home with her family, and pets. “I am grateful for the different work experiences that I have had over the years that have allowed me to work with, and serve people from all different walks of life. My goal as a home visitor is that the families I serve will graduate from our program with a better understanding of bonding and attachment between parent and child, ways of accessing community resources, and the confidence and self-efficacy to work towards future goals.
C: 828-467-1173
O: 828-682-0047
31 Cross Street, Suite 280
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
FUN FACT 1
By the time a family graduates from the program, they will have at least...120 Instructional Hours
By the time a family graduates from the BRHF they will have at least 120 instructional hours of parenting education. That is equivalent to an associates degree in parenting! Not everyone can say that!
FUN FACT 2
Families and program participants get to do fun things like...COOKOUTS, CANNING, and CROCKPOT COOKING!
Families and program participants get to do fun things like cookouts, canning and crockpot cooking! Contact us today to get more information and to join in on the fun.
FUN FACT 3
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is an accredited chapter of the...THE HEALTHY FAMILIES ASSOCIATION NETWORK
Blue Ridge Healthy Families is an accredited chapter of the Healthy Families Association National Network. We obtained our accreditation on our first try!
FUN FACT 4
BRHF is the only community-based program in this region that...SUPPORTS FAMILIES IN THEIR HOME
BRHF is the only community based program in this region that supports families with comprehensive, intensive and tailored services in their home. Contact us today!