From Client to Caregiver: Abbey’s Full-Circle Journey with Healthy Start | |
In 2016, Abbey Stiger was a young college student navigating the unknown terrain of first-time parenthood. Isolated and overwhelmed, she was searching for support when she happened across The Baby Fold’s Healthy Start program. It was a moment that would change the trajectory of her life and, eventually, her career.
“Parenting was completely new ground for me,” Abbey recalls. “I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about it, and I appreciated the guidance they gave me.” The Baby Fold provided more than just education; the physical support of diapers and wipes helped her stretch her budget, and the emotional support fortified her confidence as a new mom. Abbey meticulously kept a folder filled with information her Family Support Specialist shared—milestones to watch for, activities to encourage her child’s development, and parenting tips she would reference time and again.
But it wasn’t just the practical advice that impacted Abbey. It was the personal connection. Her Family Support Specialist became a guiding light during those early years. “She was very experienced and had a way of being direct while supporting me and building my confidence as a parent,” Abbey says. This mentorship went beyond parenting advice. Abbey was shown how to navigate complex systems like healthcare and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and she was introduced to resources and networks that she wouldn’t have found on her own. “They also provided a way to connect with other moms who were in the same walks of life,” Abbey adds, reflecting on how those relationships helped ease the isolation of young motherhood.
During one particularly challenging period, Abbey found herself struggling at work. “I was miserable, and it affected my ability to be present for my child,” she recalls. Her Family Support Specialist listened and helped her explore other career paths. By the time her child graduated from the Healthy Start program in 2021, Abbey had found a new calling. She saw a job opening at The Baby Fold, and the decision felt like fate. “There is so much value in the Healthy Start program. I wanted to be a part of helping families excel,” she says.
Abbey joined The Baby Fold as a Family Support Specialist, bringing with her a unique perspective—one of a former client who intimately understands the challenges and emotions young parents face. “I know firsthand just how important having that support can be. It’s truly life-changing,” she says.
Now, as an employee, Abbey sees new challenges for the families she serves. The rising cost of essential goods has made it increasingly difficult for parents to provide for their children. “The Baby Fold, through donations, is able to help to some degree by providing health items like diapers and wipes, and families are extremely appreciative,” she explains. Another hurdle she’s noticed is social isolation, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. To counter this, Abbey encourages families to attend monthly groups to build connections and find solidarity in shared experiences.
In addition to her role as a Family Support Specialist, Abbey has also become a Doula with the Healthy Start program, offering support to women who lack assistance during the birthing process. “I love birth,” she says with enthusiasm. “Birthing people need other people beside them. I’m there not to replace, but to be an extra support, an extra advocate, and a voice for them during such an important time.” This role, combining her deep understanding of parenting with her newfound passion for birth work, has allowed Abbey to further her mission of supporting families during their most vulnerable moments.
For Abbey, the most rewarding part of her job is celebrating small victories. “Many of the families we serve are facing big hurdles but are working hard to overcome them,” she says. She recalls celebrating with a mom who earned her GED despite significant obstacles. “Any nugget of joy they can celebrate is meaningful,” Abbey reflects.
Celebrating these moments keeps Abbey inspired, highlighting the profound impact of support and perseverance. One story that resonates deeply is of a mother she worked with who faced seemingly insurmountable hurdles to keep her family together. “She had to learn to let someone in—Healthy Start—to get the support she needed to build her capacity and resilience,” Abbey shares. With encouragement, that mom found the strength to keep moving forward despite ongoing housing challenges.
Abbey sees herself in the families she serves—she understands their struggles, their fears, and the hope they cling to. It’s this relatability and empathy that makes her role as a Family Support Specialist and Doula so impactful. Looking back at her own journey, Abbey shares that she is both humbled and proud to be a part of The Baby Fold’s Healthy Start program—a program that helped shape her path as a new mother and now empowers her to guide others on that same journey.
| | Empowering Students through Vocational Education | | |
Equipping our special education students with real-world skills prepares them for successful futures. Through Hammitt Schools vocational education program, students gain hands-on work experience at local businesses and organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Bloomington Public Library, Mid-State Transmission, Custom Touch Woodworking, Ropp Jersey Cheese, McLean County Museum of History, and Pet Supply Plus. In addition, students help with maintenance tasks, recycling efforts, and vehicle cleaning across the agency.
"We’re excited to be expanding the program with a Community Work Program, allowing students to work independently at job sites without a Baby Fold representative present. One student is already preparing to take this next step toward independence." shares Scott Perry, Hammitt School vocational coach.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to partner with community colleges to offer college tours for Hammitt students, helping them explore higher education opportunities. Scott’s passion for empowering students is inspiring, and his dedication to their success ensures that every student has the chance to build a bright future. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to grow this impactful program.
| | Healing the Brain From Trauma with the Help of NMT | | |
Toddlers are expected to have tantrums—it’s a commonly accepted "stage" of development. But when a child continues to struggle with intense meltdowns, aggression, or emotional outbursts, it may reflect how their brain has developed in response to stress and trauma.
Because the brain strengthens whatever it repeatedly experiences, negative patterns can become deeply ingrained. Trauma changes the way the brain grows. "A young child who is repeatedly exposed to neglect, abuse, or instability will have strong neural pathways in their lower brain—the area responsible for survival instincts—rather than in their upper brain, where reasoning, logic, and problem-solving develop," shared Theresa Lawrence, NMT Phase II Trainer and Director of Early Childhood Services at The Baby Fold. Over time, these automatic reactions, like outbursts, withdrawal, or aggression, become their brain’s default response, even in safe environments.
To help children build stronger pathways to their upper brain, Baby Fold staff use the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) to determine each child’s developmental age, which can look very different from their chronological age. During an NMT assessment, information is gathered about a child's current functioning as well as their early life experiences, including any stressors the child and family might have experienced, such as poverty or abuse. Even maternal stressors have an impact on in utero brain development. Lawrence explains, "This model ensures that therapies are delivered in the same sequence the brain naturally develops, but it also allows us to focus on the brain areas most affected." Some children need help with foundational regions tied to safety and security, while others may require support in the middle brain which helps with sensory information, movement, alertness, and more. By identifying the specific regions impacted, we can tailor the sequence of therapies to meet each child’s unique developmental needs.
Through NMT-informed perspectives, we can help children gradually shift out of survival mode to healthier responses such as pausing to recognize their feelings and using words or coping strategies instead of lashing out. Over time, these higher brain pathways become stronger and more easily accessible, leading to improved emotional regulation, resilience, and healing—helping children move beyond their past and toward a healthier future.
| | Families Connect Over Fun at "Dragons Love Tacos" Event | | |
Families in our McLean County Healthy Start program recently gathered for a fun-filled evening inspired by the children’s book Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. The event featured story time, creative dragon-themed activities, and a delicious taco bar. It was a fantastic night of laughter, learning, and connection—bringing families together and strengthening the bonds that help children thrive.
| | Celebrating Women's History Month | | |
Throughout Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the extraordinary women who laid the foundation for The Baby Fold’s mission of serving children and families. Recognized first is Nancy Mason, who, through the generous gift of her home, set into motion what would become The Baby Fold.
Nancy Mason and her family moved to Normal in 1865. She opened her home at 309 North Street in Normal to help house the active and retired Deaconess women who were running Bloomington Hospital, now Carle BroMenn Medical Center. Just a few years later, her home became the Mason Deaconess Home for Aged, which soon welcomed abandoned and orphaned children, earning the name “The Baby Fold.” Nancy’s compassionate legacy lives on, honored today through Mason Hall at The Baby Fold.
Visit our YouTube Channel and Celebrating Women's History page to learn more!
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Nellie Randle
The Baby Fold's First Superintendent (1905-1908)
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Tompie Asher
The Baby Fold's Second Superintendent (1908-1935)
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Gwendolyn Hammitt
Asst. Superintendent
(1939-1974)
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Grace Harris
Served in many positions; devoted for decades
(1911-1946)
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Emma Blackman, MSW
First Social Worker at The Baby Fold & in Central Illinois
(1942-1971)
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Judith Hogberg, RN
The Baby Fold's First Professional Nurse
(1940-1972)
| | Give with Confidence: The Baby Fold Earns Platinum Status | | |
The Baby Fold is pleased to announce that we have achieved Platinum Status on Candid, the highest level of recognition for transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector.
Candid is a trusted source for comprehensive data on nonprofits, helping donors and funders make informed giving decisions. This platinum seal demonstrates The Baby Fold's commitment to openness, strong governance, and measurable impact in serving children and families.
For our generous supporters, this recognition provides confidence that their contributions are used effectively and responsibly to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. Thank you for your continued support in transforming lives!
| | Lace Up for a Cause! ABC Runs Celebrates 20 Years | | |
Join the celebration as Adventures Benefiting Children (ABC) Runs marks 20 years of running for a purpose!
What started as a small group of friends hitting the pavement has grown into a community tradition, raising over $236,000 for local charities. Now, it’s your turn to be part of the legacy! ABC Run/Walk #190 takes place on Saturday, April 5, from 8:00-10:30 a.m. at The Baby Fold (108 E. Willow, Normal). Choose a 3-mile or 6-mile route.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking for a meaningful way to stay active, ABC Runs welcome all participants. There are no entry fees, and while donations are not required, every dollar raised directly supports The Baby Fold’s programs for children and families in need.
Join us as we celebrate this milestone and make a difference—we hope to see you there!
| | Family Quick Tips from Baby Fold Therapists | |
Meeting a child's physical and environmental needs can help strengthen their ability to self-regulate their big emotions! Here's how to set them up for success:
Physiological strategies
- Offer a nutritious snack/meal every two hours to help maintain blood sugar levels
- Encourage hydration
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule
- Encourage physical activity, about every two hours
- Pay attention to and address their sensory needs and preferences
- Teach what regulation means, empower children to communicate when when feeling dysregulated, and teach/practice skills when calm
Ecological Strategies
- Provide a consistent and predictable routine/daily schedule; this could include having a visible schedule in the home
- Provide as much notice and explanation when the routine/schedule might change; Give choices whenever possible
- Announce transitions ahead of time, as they can be particularly difficult
- Use playful engagement during times of stress or transition
By meeting both the physical and environmental aspects of a child’s needs, we help them feel empowered, safe, and ready to learn and grow! (learn more here)
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