Posted by Annalicia Finol on May 11, 2016 ·

The Bronx Free Press

“The organizations represented here today are very concerned with the health of the Bronx, and how they can provide access to resources to everyone from a young age,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Sadly, for the past six years, the Bronx has been ranked dead last in the state of New York across many health indicators. What you see here is that so much goes into raising a healthy person.”

Sofía Nivar had bling on the brain.

“There are so many gems in our own community,” she said. “And sometimes we don’t even know.”

Nivar, Program Director of the non-profit South Bronx Healthy Families,‎ spoke to the dozens of young mothers holding newborns and expectant others who would soon do the same.

Nivar was one of various participants at the New Parents Resource Fair who shared details on the ample resources, or “gems,” that were available to be accessed by Bronx parents‎. The annual event was hosted by Union Community Health Center (UCHC) on Sat., Apr. 30th at its 260 East 188thStreet site.

Nancy Spellman, UCHC Chief Operating Officer, said the goal was to provide useful information to expectant mothers and guardians of children ages 0-2, and to help them see the UCHC network as a central hub.

“We want people to know they can come here and get a full range of services,” she explained. “We have Urban Justice to help with legal matters and housing; we offer food stamps here; we have behavioral health services; we educate; and we also have four primary care centers. The fair is really for people with young children to know that we are here for them, for many services that they need for their family.”

The site was filled on Saturday with neat lines of tables at which volunteers conducted screenings, dispensed fliers and offered follow-up details. There were dental screenings; pointers on pelvic floor exercises; physical therapy education forums; and breastfeeding and CPR workshops.

In one such setting, Lesly Arzu sat cradling a plastic baby in her lap.

Sitting across from her was Family Support Worker Ayesha Larkins, who asked, “How have you been sleeping?” When Arzu responded that she was sleeping normally, yet feeling fairly lonely, Larkins referred her to a support group for new mothers.

“It’s very common to feel that way,” she assured the young mother. “That’s one of the reasons we are here.”

The simulated conversation offered the two women, both family support workers for South Bronx Healthy Families, an opportunity to explain that their organization offered this kind of home visit, to provide support and education for expecting mothers and fathers, as well as any guardians with children under three months old. They also connect parents-to-be and new parents with support groups, doula information, swimming and yoga classes, in addition to hosting weekly raffles.

Among those in attendance were local elected officials.

Assemblymember Latoya Joyner presented Spellman and all the UCHC network with a Special Recognition and Resolution from the State Assembly for its work in addressing maternal depression. Her colleague Assemblymember Victor Pichardo also took part in a CPR demo.

Beyond the focus on physical health, organizers also stressed the importance of positive family ties and the need for integrated services.

Volunteers at the New York Public Library table, for example, handed out family literacy packs, which included bilingual reading materials for toddlers, as well as instructional resources for parents on how to help children develop essential language skills.

Stefanie Reyes made her way through the fair with her six-month-old son in his stroller. She said she was glad she had made time to attend.

“My favorite part is [this],” she said as Jayce clapped excitedly. “[It’s the] focus on families.”