Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska -- Sonya found the support she needed to be a good parent. When she discovered she was pregnant, she knew she faced a challenge. Covering the costs of a baby would be hard, even though she had a job. So she joined the “Building Families Boutique” program in Council Bluffs, while she was still pregnant. The Boutique is now run by Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. This program for at-risk families uses a combination of training, support groups and an incentive program to instill positive parenting skills. Participants like Sonya earn points when they attend classes and group sessions, volunteer their time, and display positive parenting behavior.  By the time little Devonte was born, she had earned enough points to purchase a sturdy crib at the boutique. And two years later, she still attended classes and shared stories with other parents. Sonya’s willing to work hard to provide for her little family, but United Way donors have given her the extra support that makes all the difference in the world.

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