“The BRAIN program has been operating for 16 years for all families with newborns in Martin and St. Lucie Counties,” explained Kathy Derringer, head of the Baby Steps department at Helping People Succeed. Unique in its universal approach, BRAIN provides a nursing visit followed by an educational visit about early brain development to all participating families. Families then can opt to participate in an online developmental monitoring system until the child becomes school age.

While there are many community partners in this program, including the school systems, the program is funded by the support from the Children’s Services Council of Martin County, the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, United Way of Martin County, and the Hobe Sound Community Chest.