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Peak Vista’s First Visitor program sees influx of families

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Peak Vista's First Visitor program helps families with kids ages five and under learn about care for their child and gets them connected to resources, and there's been a big increase in need recently.

"Oh it's been a godsend," said Xena Moore.

Moore has been working with her care manager, Silvia Lara, for two years. Moore had her son, Charles, at the beginning of 2020, and when the pandemic hit, it was difficult being in lockdown.

"Making it really hard for me to get to the store to get any food my baby and it doesn’t help that I can’t drive," said Moore. "If it weren’t for her and WIC, I probably wouldn’t have had enough for my kid, especially when the diapers and wipes disappeared that was a nightmare."

Last summer, Moore says she and her family ended up homeless for a few months. Now, they have an apartment. She says First Visitor and other programs helped make it a safe space for Charles.

"I’ve been able to secure my son's bedroom make it safer for him, so I feel relaxed letting him do his own thing in there," said Moore.

She's not the only one who has fallen on hard times.

"We saw our numbers increase significantly because of the pandemic," said Lara.

Lara says last year they helped more than 800 families, which is 200 more than in 2020. This year, they expect those numbers to stay high.

First Visitor takes referrals from anyone as long as the family has a child 5 and under or someone in the household is expecting a child. Care managers are bilingual.

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Jessica Gruenling

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