It started with just looking for some help. Greenleaf client Randae was having a difficult 2025. Experiencing housing instability and unemployment, and raising one son by herself, with one on the way (a third, her oldest, was living with his grandfather), her mental health was suffering, and she was having a hard time managing her anger. She needed a helping hand. What she got was a community of helpers and friends.
(Pictured at top is Randae, left, with her son, Kashmir, and another Family First Steps mom with her daughter attending the October event on nutrition and healthy eating at Greenleaf.)
Support for Families with Young Children
It started when Randae began participating in Greenleaf’s Family First Steps program that same year.
Family First Steps promotes early development, learning, and health and wellness in children, 0-3 years old, by supporting and engaging parents and caregivers.
“We provide families with resources, guidance, and home-based support to build strong foundations,” said Traci Williams-Eaton, Family Support and Education Manager at Greenleaf. "The goal is families who provide optimal experiences and environments for their children to learn, grow and thrive in their first three years."
Using the internationally recognized Parents as Teachers model and curriculum, the program supports parents and caregivers in the following ways:
• Personal home visits
• Group sessions and fun, educational events
• Family goals and plans
• Assessments and resources
• Connections with other resources
Greenleaf team members, led by Lakisha Carter, lead community health worker, visited Randae at home every two weeks. That one-on-one connection provided much-needed support, encouragement, and someone to talk to.
Randae also attended monthly events where she found additional support, learned new skills, and met other moms.
Community-based Mental Health and Other Support
Family First Steps also connected Randae with a Greenleaf behavioral health counselor. They worked together on improving her mental health and giving her tools to manage her anger, including joining Greenleaf’s women’s anger management group sessions.
As a community-based provider, Greenleaf also helped Randae secure safe housing through AMHA, her former place of residence was no longer safe for her or her sons due to an abusive partner.
A New Leaf
Since then, Randae has made significant progress toward stability and independence. Now employed at The University of Akron, she is also working a second job, and her oldest son is back home. She no longer needs assistance through AMHA and has ended the abusive relationship.
She also gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Kashmir.
“Ms. Porterfield’s progress demonstrates resilience, determination, and a commitment to improving her circumstances for herself and her family,” said Lakisha. “Everyone at Family First Steps is extremely proud of her and we’re glad we continue to be a part of her success.”