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Exemplary Place-Based Program Recognized

April 27, 2009
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The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has chosen the First 5 LA-funded Westside Infant Family Network (WIN) as one of the eight exemplary models across the country that best serve young children and families by integrating professional service sectors. A goal of the Kellogg study is to help program planners, policy makers and funders identify and understand the role of health and the health sector within broader place-based initiatives for young children.

"Certainly, this is wonderful news for WIN, but more importantly, this study emphasizes how the community can better meet the needs of critically challenged young children and their families," said Anna Henderson, executive director of WIN. "All too often, families in crisis are further stressed by having to navigate multiple systems at times when they are least able to do so.  These are the families that fall though the cracks - and the social, emotional and financial impacts are devastating and long-term, especially for children."

The concept for WIN was developed collaboratively by eight West Los Angeles based agencies, including Westside Children's Center, Venice Family Clinic, and St. Joseph Center. WIN's original funder, The Atlas Family Foundation, played a key role in facilitating the development of WIN as a cross-agency initiative. WIN programming combines three key components:

  • In-home psychotherapy, consultation and case management for children and families at risk for, or dealing with, mental health issues.
  • Capacity building, training and support for partner agencies for the whole community.
  • Community service system linkage, integration and capacity building.

Other agencies featured in the study are the Children and Families Commission of Orange County (CA), the Children's Board of Hillsborough County (FL), Children's Futures (NJ), First 5 Ventura County (CA), Help Me Grow (CT), Opportunity Knocks (CT), and Region: A Partnership for Children (NC).

To view the entire study Health Matters: The Role of Health and the Health Sector in Place-Based Initiatives for Young Children, click here. To learn more about WIN contact Anna Hendersen at (310) 846-4100 x6129.

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