35 Years of Healthy Children and Strong Families
The world was a different place in 1991. John Grisham released The Firm. . Michael Jordan won his first championship with the Chlcago Bulls. Personal computers and the internet were starting to take off. I was listening to U2 and R.E.M. And Child Health Partnership opened its doors to local children and families – or rather, we went to their doors!
In the 35 years since our founding, many things have changed. Personally, I came to Charlottesville that year to attend UVA. Since then, I’ve raised a family. And I don’t wear ties anymore.
Based on our best records, in that 35 years Child Health Partnership has served over 5,700 children from more than 3,600 families. We’ve added many evidence-based tools, parenting curriculums, screenings for positive child development and intimate partner violence, and more. Staff have smart phones and text their partner families.
But many things have also stayed the same. Parents of all kinds still want what’s best for their children. We have amazing community health nurses and family support staff that pour their hearts into their work on behalf of babies and young children. And we can only do this work because of the support of our community – each of you!
Child Health Partnership remains a powerful blending of an experienced and professional health organization with an effective social justice organization, bringing together medical and child development supports with the passion to see children thrive.
A big, big round of applause is due to our founder, Judy Smith. I met Judy in 1994 when I started here in town with the United Way. Who knew? I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to help to lead this amazing organization, or to still be able to count on Judy for support in so many ways. It hardly seems possible that over 35 years we’ve only had two directors!
We’ve seen (and are still in touch with) parents who with a little support found their footing and now have beautiful children who are healthy, grown up and off to college and work.
So here we are in 2025. The need for an organization that is laser-focused on healthy babies and children has never been greater. Families, especially new parents, face new challenges and stresses to building resilient families. The dedication and commitment of our amazing staff has never been stronger.
As we look to the next 35 years (and no, I don’t plan to be here in my 90s!), our role in the community remains clear and constant, as advocates and nurturers of healthy children and strong families. We remain partners with those families who invite us into their homes and lives, to build better futures for their children. And we still can only do this work thanks to the support of our community – EACH OF YOU! THANK YOU!
Jon Nafziger, Executive Director- Child Health Partnership