‘First Visitor’ program sees surge in new clients due to rising living expenses

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)--A Colorado Springs non-profit is seeing a recent surge in clients thanks to a new program. It's called 'First Visitor' and it works to connecting Colorado parents with basic child care needs.

Leaders from 'First Visitor' say they helped more than 300 families during the 2020 pandemic. Now, that numbers is closer to 700 as families are in need of more help while prices continue to surge. 

"We are not just counting the number as like a child, it's a whole family. Some families have one kid, some have two to three, some families have four kids. So it's a big number," said Care Coordinator of First Visitor, Silvia Lara.

Lara says the organization meets a new family almost every day. 

"A lot of our families are still affected by COVID-19 there are still a one parent house hold income or they both lost their jobs and they haven't been able to go back to work, especially with child care they can't afford that," Lara added.  

First Visitor provides resources for new and returning parents by giving out bags full of baby formula, diapers and clothes. After the first visit, families can expect a follow up call from a care provider every two to three weeks. 

"Our job is to help families making sure they have the resources, the basic needs to survive or provide a safe /area for their child," Lara said.  

Before the non-profit would focus their efforts in helping families within the Colorado Springs area. Now Lara says they've expanded to help serve parents in parts of Pueblo and Peyton Colorado. 

"One of the good things that happened with covid is we can do video conferences now. So we can still meets those families in the eastern plains as well," Lara said.

The non-profit currently receives daily donations from local clinics. But is now looking for more help from our community as need continues to rise.