Supporting Families
Building Strong Connections
The caring staff of the Healthy Starts team at HCS is here to help you and your family thrive. With a team of social workers, home visitors, and nurses, Healthy Starts and the Family Resource Center is a welcoming place where families can find support, build connections, access resources, and thrive in the Monadnock region.
Whether you’re expecting a baby, raising young children, navigating challenges, or simply looking for community, we’re here for you.
WELCOME TO HEALTHY STARTS AT HCS, HOME OF THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER ♡
You belong here.
Our Family Resource Center offers free programs, resources, education, and support for families throughout Southwestern New Hampshire.
We believe strong families create strong communities.
No matter your circumstances, you will be welcomed with compassion, respect, and understanding.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY?
Parenting Support
- Parenting education classes
- Kinship Navigation program
- Home Visiting program
- Support groups
- Family coaching
Pregnancy and Early Childhood Support
- Developmental screenings
- Lactation support
- Counseling referrals
- School readiness programs
Family Navigation
- One-on-one support
- Goal planning
- Connections to local/state programs
- Local food and housing assistance and referrals
- Transportation help
Community Connection
- Free workshops, events, and resources
- Meet other families
- Build meaningful relationships in your community
Ready to Connect? Get Started Today!
Whether you need support today or simply want to learn more, Healthy Starts at HCS is here for you. Don’t know where to start? Let’s connect. Come in, give us a call at 603-352-2253, or make a referral using the link below.
Or Download and Submit This Referral and fax it to: 603-357-2545. Phone call referrals are also accepted: 603-352-2253
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
988
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24/7, English and Spanish Available
833-710-6477
NH Rapid Response
24-hour service for children, youth, or family in crisis. Call or text.
603-352-3782
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention
988, press 1, or text 838255
Veteran’s Crisis Line
1-866-488-7386
Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Youth)
1-833-852-6262
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
About Us
Healthy Starts at HCS has served families, caregivers, and children in the Keene and Cheshire County, NH area for over 30 years. Healthy Starts from HCS is the proud host of the Family Resource Center in Keene, NH. The Family Resource Center is available for families in the community for free, Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM. The space is designed to meet the needs of those using it in a variety of ways:
- An engaging space for toddlers and older children to play or complete assignments.
- A meeting space for small groups and committees such as our very own Advisory Committees.
- A place to come and learn about programs and services available to assist their individual needs
- Access to the internet and a printer/copier for important documents.
Need a Ride?
Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services’ City Express stops throughout the day at 312 Marlboro Street from locations across Keene. View the schedule here. All trips are $1, and bus passes are available.
Healthy Starts at HCS is affiliated with Healthy Families America, a national program of Prevent Child Abuse America. Healthy Starts at HCS is a proud member of the Monadnock Alliance for Families, an initiative funded and supported by the Monadnock United Way.
The preparation of this website was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The Keene Family Resource Center is located inside HCS Keene at 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH. Free parking is available.
Healthy Starts Services
Events at the Family Resource Center
Meet the Healthy Starts Program Managers
Rachel Kowalsky is the Care Manager for Comprehensive Family Supports and Services, Kinship Navigation, and the Family Resource Center at HCS. She graduated in 2008 with her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking, native gardening, and cooking. Rachel has a deep love of the environment and aims to make this world a better place for everyone.
Bekki Joki Provencher is the Care Manager for Healthy Families America, overseeing Newborn Navigation and Nursing services for Healthy Starts and the VNA’s prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric clients. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State University in 1999 and became a licensed Registered Nurse. In 2017, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing, along with an Advanced Credential in Early Childhood and Family Mental Health. Outside of her professional role, Bekki enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, tending to her hobby farm animals, painting, and writing. Her passion lies in supporting families to reach their goals and thrive.