Welcome to the HealthySteps Program – where we believe in nurturing children’s health and development from the very start. At Jericho Road Community Health Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive pediatric care that goes beyond traditional healthcare.

What is HealthySteps?

HealthySteps is a pioneering initiative that elevates pediatric care by seamlessly integrating vital elements of mental health and developmental support into our primary care services. We recognize that the early years of a child’s life are paramount to their lifelong well-being. Our program is designed to optimize this critical period.

Key Features:

• Early Childhood Intervention: We focus on identifying and addressing developmental and behavioral concerns as soon as possible. Our goal is to ensure children get the best start in life.
• Holistic Approach: We take a holistic approach to pediatric care, recognizing that a child’s physical, social, emotional, and behavioral development are interrelated. We support every facet of a child’s growth.
• Customized Care: HealthySteps provides tailored support to meet the unique needs of each child and family. We understand that every child is different, and our services reflect that understanding.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We foster collaboration among healthcare providers, mental health specialists, and community resources. By working together, we can provide the most comprehensive care.

What We Offer:

• Developmental Milestones: We help parents track their child’s developmental milestones, offering guidance and support every step of the way.
• Behavioral Support: We assist parents in managing their child’s behavior and provide strategies for nurturing healthy emotional development.
• Community Connections: We connect families with valuable community resources and support services, ensuring they have access to the help they need.
• Cultural Sensitivity: We respect and value diversity. Our program is culturally sensitive, recognizing that families come from various backgrounds.
• Data-Driven Care: We use data and assessments to monitor child development and measure outcomes, ensuring our services are effective.

Hannah Bronstein, LMSW: Hannah completed her Masters in Social Work Degree at the University at Buffalo in 2022, and attained her professional license following graduation. Hannah then worked as a mental health counselor before moving into her current HealthySteps Specialist role at Jericho Road. Hannah is passionate about facilitating access to quality healthcare services for marginalized communities and mitigating social determinants of health. Hannah enjoys making ceramic pottery in her spare time as a form of art therapy self-care.

Shana’zha Hobbs, MSW: Shana’zha is the HealthySteps Speicalist operating out of 1021 Broadway. Shana’zha has worked in Early Childhood Education since she was 16 years old. Shana’zha received her Bachelors in Psychology from SUNY Cortland, and received her Masters in Social Work from the University at Buffalo.

Elizabeth Quinlan, LMSW: Elizabeth is the HealthySteps Specialist at our Barton St location.  Elizabeth was born and raised in the Buffalo area, and has three adult children.  Elizabeth began volunteering at Jericho Road in 2016 as a Priscilla Project mentor.  She attended the UB Graduate School of Social Work, and accepted a job at Jericho Road in 2022.  Every day, Elizabeth is inspired by the Jericho Road mission and the amazing families she meets in her work!

At Jericho Road Community Health Center we believe in the transformative power of literacy and the boundless potential it holds for our children. That’s why we proudly support the Reach Out and Read program, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to nurturing early literacy in our youngest generation.

What is Reach Out and Read?

Reach Out and Read is a visionary program that bridges the worlds of healthcare and education to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families. The program operates in partnership with healthcare providers, including pediatricians and family doctors, who serve as trusted messengers of the importance of early literacy.

How does Reach Out and Read work?

• Books as Prescriptions: At each well-child visit, children aged six months to five years receive a brand new, age-appropriate book to take home. These books are “prescribed” by their healthcare providers, reinforcing the critical role of reading in child development.
• Empowering Parents: Reach Out and Read doesn’t stop at giving books; it empowers parents with the knowledge and encouragement they need to become their child’s first and best teacher. Pediatricians and healthcare professionals provide guidance on reading aloud, emphasizing its positive impact on language skills and brain development.

Why Reach Out and Read Matters:

• Early Literacy: Research shows that early exposure to books and reading has a lasting positive effect on a child’s language skills and cognitive development. Reach Out and Read provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
• Health and Well-being: Reading together fosters positive parent-child interactions, enhances bonding, and supports emotional well-being, creating healthier families.
• Education Equality: Reach Out and Read works to close the educational achievement gap by ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to books and the benefits of early literacy.