Congratulations, Nora!

Nora Barquin, Right From The Start program coordinator at Family Network, has been selected for their 2011 Hall of Fame by the University of Illinois Extension, Lake & McHenry Counties. Along with her fellow Hall of Fame inductees, Nora was honored at a special reception on October 13 in Grayslake.

Nora is being recognized for her work "partnering with the University of Illinois on nutrition and wellness programs, for her considerable contributions to the residents of Lake County pertaining to their health and well being and for promoting and encouraging all ages to learn about healthy habits as related to nutrition and exercise."

The University of Illinois Extension program was one of the first education partnerships Nora formed after taking her position as Right From The Start, Desde el Principio, (RFTS) coordinator at Family Network nine years ago. Since then, RFTS has continually presented nutrition and cooking classes for Latino immigrant parents. Last summer,  the program also offered a summer camp for children which focused on good nutrition and exercise habits.

The partnership with the university extension program is one of many Nora has created to bring valuable educational experiences to the parents in her program. Next project? Nora hopes to create a 4-H group.

At the awards ceremony, Nora (center) with U. of I. Extenstion Family Nutrition Program Coordinator Dale Kher (left) and County Director James Reeves.

Right From The Start provides education and family support services to at-risk Spanish-speaking families who are expecting a baby or who have children and live primarily Highland Park, Highwood, and nearby communities. The program aims to promote healthy family functioning, healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, and enhance the development of children. Intervention and prevention-based services are provided for parents, primarily mothers, who may be facing obstacles such as: cultural and languages barriers, isolation, single parenting, financial struggles, and postpartum depression.

Thanks to Nora for her wonderful work on behalf of the parents and children served by our Right From The Start program!