PART 1 - Introduction

I- About The Stories
II- A Note From Leslie
III- What This Research Is About

PART 2 - The Stories

A- ‘Better Beginnings is giving us hope for our little ones, not to
grow up like our bigger ones have.’

B- ‘En fait de femme, la joie d’être femme et la solidarité
entre femmes, je trouve que Better Beginnings est très fort là-dessus.’

‘I find that Better Beginnings places a lot of emphasis on the
woman, the joy of being a woman, and solidarity between women.’

C- ‘My Family Visitor is a Guardian Angel.’

D- ‘The satisfaction that we get from seeing people’s faces when
you help them to achieve something or to solve some issue is incredible.’

E*- ‘The Healing Effects of Caring’

F- Somali: ‘Isbedelka uu barnaamijka Bilowga Wanagasan bulshada ku
sameeyey waxa laga dhex arki karaa qof aniga oo kale ah.’

‘The difference that Better Beginnings has made for the community can be
seen through somebody like me.’

G- ‘Once people know about Better Beginnings, they’re all going
to want to come.’

H- ‘Better Beginnings calms people down.’

I- Somali: ‘Barnaamijka mustaqbalka wanaagsan aad ayuu ee
taageeray markii la ogaaday in wiilkayga maqalkiisu aanu wanaagsaneyn.’

‘With Better Beginnings’ help, his hearing problem was identified.’

J*- ‘Better Beginnings is a dream come true and hopefully more
* Stories submitted in writing. dreams will become a reality.’

K- ‘The Family Visitor Coordinator was a Godsend!’

L- ‘One of the things that I know it has done for my daughter, is
that it’s a guaranteed safe house.’

M- Somali: ‘Abaartmanka aan ku noolahay kiradiisu waa qaali marka loo
eego magaalada, haseyeeshee taageerada aan ka helo barnaamijka Bilowga
Wanagsan awgeed ma jecli in aan meel kale dego.’

‘The apartment unit I’m living in is very expensive and there
are places in the city where the rent is lower, but I’m here
because of Better Beginnings.’

N*- ‘Since April of 1996, Better Beginnings Better Futures has
been there for me and my child.’

O*- ‘Better Beginnings has meant a great deal to my family.’

P- ‘People aren't getting away with things, like if they see kids
getting abused, Better Beginnings will make sure that the
right people are contacted.’

Q- ‘Better Beginnings gave me more confidence because now
I’m doing the Parenting group and before I would have never
ever led a group, not in my whole life.’

R- ‘My kids are alive!’

PART 3 - Story Themes - What Are These Stories Telling Us?

1) Assertiveness and Self-Advocacy
2) Self-Esteem
3) Sense of Safety
4) Respect and Caring
5) Independence
6) Reduced Isolation
7) Healing
8) Sense of Identity and Belonging
9) Physical Health
10) Quality of Life