Ep. 54 - Prenatal Services

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US, produced by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck explore the impact of the Early Head Start program, with a special focus on its prenatal services. They are joined by Penny Maleski, Child and Family Specialist, along with parents Nikki and Kev, who share their heartfelt journey through pregnancy and early parenthood with the support of NMCAA. Early Head Start serves families from pregnancy through age three, offering in-home visits, nutritional counseling, emotional support, and connections to critical services such as WIC, Medicaid, and prenatal dental care through partners like United We Smile.

Nikki and Kev recount how they first learned about the program from a friend, and how a simple flier prompted them to reach out. From five months into the pregnancy, Penny began working with them, helping to ease anxieties, provide education, and prepare them for parenthood. One touching exercise involved writing letters to their unborn twins, which they now look back on with deep emotion. The birth of their children—premature twins who spent time in the NICU—was especially challenging, and Penny’s ongoing support became a lifeline during this difficult period. She continued providing home visits, developmental activities, and parenting guidance, always affirming their instincts and progress.

Penny emphasized the importance of building trust by meeting families where they are, avoiding a top-down approach, and using humor and real-life experience to connect. Her philosophy is to act as a navigator, not an expert, helping families realize they already have the tools to be great parents. The conversation highlighted how Early Head Start does more than support child development—it also eases the burden of childcare costs, enables families to pursue stability, and fosters a nurturing community.

The episode includes a testimonial from another NMCAA client who credits Head Start with helping them overcome financial hardship, access resources, and provide quality care for their child. As part of Community Action Month, the hosts encourage listeners to advocate for continued federal funding of programs like Head Start, LIHEAP, and CDBG.

Nikki and Kev close by urging other expectant parents not to hesitate in seeking help, noting that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. For them, the program has become an essential part of their lives, so much so that they jokingly pitch the title A Helping Hand if their experience were made into a movie. The episode concludes with gratitude for Penny’s dedication and a reminder to support NMCAA through advocacy, donations, or simply spreading the word.