News & Events

Stuart, FL -- Fabulous footwork, glittering costumes, and enthusiastic supporters came together at the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars event to create a goal-smashing fundraiser for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Eight local volunteers took center stage at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, September 20, to show their skills at dances like the waltz, the samba, and the tango. Each of them have other demanding careers within the community, but they became dancing stars for the evening. Paired with professional dance instructors, they trained for several months for the fast-paced competition to win bragging rights as top dancers, but also to raise funds for the work of the nonprofit.

More than $222,000 was raised. “For 14 wonderful years, our community has come together to support mothers, fathers and babies across Martin County,” Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly to our vision of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

Alex Pope, Development Manager for the Southeast at Shoulder Innovations and co-owner of The Scoop ice cream shop, and professional dancer Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe brought the audience to their feet with a foxtrot. The team won both the People’s Choice Award and also Top Dancing Team. The First Runner Up Dance Team was Daniel Wade and Marianella Tobar; the Second Runner Up was Fida Georges and Angel Tamayo.

Mirella Daru, an agent with RE/MAX of Stuart’s Susan Maxwell Team, and dance instructor Brian Spector were awarded Top Fundraisers. The First Runner Up Fundraising Team was Fida Georges and Angel Tamayo; the Second Runner Up Fundraising Team was Alex Pope & Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe.

Judges for the competition included Alannah Ghazal, a real estate professional and tango dancer; Charles Jones, the lead singer of the Charles Jones Trio and operator of Cdj Entertainment Inc.; and Kira Whatley, a member of StarStruck Academy and Theatre and a teacher of the performing arts. Father Christian Anderson from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and last year’s overall winner for dancing and fundraising, emceed the evening.

“We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to this amazing event,” Suffich said. She reminded the packed house that for the first time in generations, there is no longer a local labor and delivery unit in Martin County. “Through our fundraising, we are planning to return these vital services at the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center. We welcome the support to make this vision a reality.”

 The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition expressed its thanks to all of its sponsors and supporters, in particular RE/MAX of Stuart - Susan Maxwell Team, Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund, Inc., Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Diana Soriano Risk Strategies | Gehring Group, and Circle 6 Consulting.

For more information and event photos, visit https://www.mchealthystart.org/dancing-with-the-martin-stars/2025-stars-dancers/.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

Stuart, Fla. – The curtain goes up on the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars competition on Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre, and it’s time to buy tickets.

The signature fundraising event for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is always a sell-out event because of the high energy, amazing dance moves, and fierce competition among the contestants.

“It’s breathtaking to see the quality of the dancing,” said Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, “and absolutely heart-warming to see the intensity of the contestants to meet their fundraising goals to support our work. They are deeply committed to our vision of a community where every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

The 2025 Dancing Stars include:

• June-Luciano Cohen, Master Personal Trainer with Topper Fitness
• Mirella Daru, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart
• Fida Georges, On Camera Talent/ Former Broadcaster
• Spaz McGoorty, Comedic Personality
• Danny Mikels, Division Chief at St. Lucie County Fire District
• Alex Pope, Owner, The Scoop Ice Cream Shop
• Lisa Tunon, Paralegal with Zweben Law Group
• Daniel Wade, Broker/Owner Century 21 Move with Us

Dancers will be judged on their performances and will also earn points for the funds they raise in the quest to become the 2025 Champion.

“This event is always great fun for everyone involved,” said Suffich, “but it’s more critically important than ever that we raise funds to support our work.” Suffich noted the additional strain on expectant mothers since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed this spring. “Every day we work with pregnant women who are concerned about where they are going to deliver their babies,” Suffich said.

In response, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is working to create the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center in Martin County. “The funds our dancers raise will support our ongoing prenatal programs, including our MOM Mobile that takes prenatal care into vulnerable neighborhoods. They will also help us launch the campaign for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center,” Suffich said.

Sponsors this year include Re/Max of Stuart - Susan Maxwell Team, Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund, Inc., Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Diana Soriano Risk Strategies | Gehring Group and Nathan Sprague.

Tickets are on sale now at $125 each, and they are going fast. To reserve a ticket, go to the Lyric Theatre’s website,  https://www.lyrictheatre.com/show/11644-dancing-with-the-martin-stars. There’s still time to support a dancer. Make donations at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

STUART, Fla. — Martin County is one step closer to getting a maternity center after a grassroots fundraiser over the weekend highlighted growing community momentum behind the effort.

In April, Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital closed its maternity unit due to staffing challenges, leaving expectant mothers in Martin County without a local hospital to give birth.

WATCH BELOW: WPTV's Cassandra Garcia hears from a Martin County doula

[It's] complete chaos—women [are] scrambling to change providers, find providers,” said Sonia Bond, a labor and postpartum doula who has worked with families affected by the closure.

"Bridge Walk for Babies” was held on Saturday and organized by Martin County Healthy Start Coalition as the first public fundraising event in what’s projected to be a multi-million dollar effort to open a dedicated maternity center in the county.

“Access to prenatal care period and then timely access to deliveries, especially in an emergency situation, is vital,” Bond said. “It’s a matter of minutes between life and death.”

The coalition estimates the new Treasure Coast Maternity Center will cost about $8 million. In addition to delivering babies, the proposed facility would provide all sorts of maternity-related resources.

“We want to make sure that the babies in Martin County are taken care of,” said Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and the Treasure Coast Maternity Center. “That would be prenatal care, that is, birthing care, and postpartum care. We also envision there being lactation support, mental health services, but also it’s going to be connected with the Healthy Start home visitation.”

The effort has also gained traction at the state level. Lawmakers approved $1 million in state funding during the most recent legislative session.

“That was sponsored by Sen. (Gayle) Harrell and Rep. (Toby) Overdorf,” Suffich said.

Though still in the early stages, supporters say the weekend event shows the community is committed to seeing the project through.

“It’s a lot of hope,” Bond said. “For the women in the community to have what they’ve had, but maybe even a better version.”

Stuart, Fla. – Eight generous and courageous community members from all walks of life are lacing up their dancing shoes for the fierce competition of the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Lyric Theatre.

Paired with professional dancers, they will cha-cha, rumba, tap, waltz and samba to raise funds for the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its vision of every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved.

The 2025 Dancing Stars include: 

• June-Luciano Cohen, Master Personal Trainer with Topper Fitness
• Mirella Daru, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart
• Fida Georges, On Camera Talent/ Former Broadcaster
• Spaz McGoorty, Comedic Personality
• Danny Mikels, Division Chief at St. Lucie County Fire District
• Alex Pope, Owner The Scoop Ice Cream Shop
• Lisa Tunon, Paralegal with Zweben Law Group
• Daniel Wade, Broker/Owner Century 21 Move with Us

Dancers will be judged on their performances and will also earn points for the funds they raise in the quest to become the 2025 Champion. Last year’s event raised more than $340,000, and this year’s dancers are determined to beat that goal.

“This event is always great fun for everyone involved,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich, “but it’s more critically important than ever that we raise funds to support our work.”

Suffich noted the additional strain on expectant mothers since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed this spring. “Every day we work with pregnant women who are concerned about where they are going to deliver their babies,” Suffich said.

In response, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is working to create the Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a community-based birthing center in Martin County. “The funds our dancers raise will support our ongoing prenatal programs, including our MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move that takes prenatal care into vulnerable neighborhoods. They will also help us launch the campaign for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center,” Suffich said.

The title sponsorship has already been claimed by Star Dance Mirella Daru. Additional sponsorship opportunities from $600 to $15,000 are still available at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25. “Fair warning - last year the response was so tremendous that we sold out the Lyric with sponsor tickets alone long before the September event!” Suffich said.

To support individual dancers in their quest for the championship, go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DWMS25 and watch for updates at mchealthystart.org or on Facebook.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Stuart, FL - The inaugural Bridge Walk for Babies on July 12 will give the community an opportunity to take powerful steps toward strengthening maternity care in Martin County.

“We’re excited to bring together mothers, babies, and those who love them for this event,” said Samantha Suffich, CEO of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition. “Our Healthy Start Coalition created the walk to honor existing families and to call attention to our efforts to establish a maternity center for future families.”

Suffich detailed the journey that the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition has traveled since the nearest labor and delivery hospital unit closed this spring. “Every day we work with pregnant women who are concerned about where they are going to deliver their babies,” Suffich said. “The plan for the Treasure Coast Maternity Center grew out of a crucial need for a community-based birthing center in Martin County.”

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition recently launched another innovative effort, its MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move, to provide expectant women with quality care and support. The MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move is a 38-foot van equipped like a prenatal care office, with an exam table, lab facilities, radiology equipment, and an educational area. Midwives staff the van as it makes its rounds to locations in Martin County: East Stuart, Golden Gate, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. In addition to prenatal care, expectant women have an opportunity to meet doulas who can help them through their pregnancy and birth. The staff is bilingual and representative of the clients served.

“Our community has taken responsibility for the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies for decades,” Suffich said. “We’re honored to continue the work of ensuring that every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.”

The Bridge Walk for Babies will begin at Jock Leighton Park on Mapp Road in Palm City at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 12. The entry fee is $10 for adults, with children welcome at no cost.

Registration is available through https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCity/BridgeWalkForBabies.

The walk is part of a broader plan to gain community awareness and financial support for a new maternity center. “We welcome walkers, babies in strollers, and everyone in the community who cares about strong, healthy births to join us,” Suffich said.

More information about the Treasure Coast Maternity Center and the other Martin County Healthy Start Coalition services, including the MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move, a prenatal mobile medical unit, is on the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Stuart, Fla. - Fathers and daughters will take to the dance floor for a magical evening on Saturday, February 15 at the 2025 Daddy Daughter Dance.

The Daddy Daughter Dance, sponsored by the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its Fatherhood Initiative, has become a fun community tradition with a very serious purpose.

Becoming a great parent boils down to two key things: Time and Attention, according to Eric Seibenick, Program Manager for the Fatherhood Initiative. “Spending time with our children shows them they are a priority while giving them our full attention communicates that they are more important than distractions. Despite our busy lives, we can find moments for this by prioritizing what truly matters, because love is spelled T.I.M.E.”

The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative became part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition in 2002. The program encourages men to become more involved and committed fathers through evidence-based parenting classes, support groups, networking opportunities, and legal assistance for fathers separated from their children. A special program works with incarcerated fathers to help them remain constructively involved in their children’s lives.

“Our vision for our community is that every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “If we help men become involved and motivated fathers, we also help to create healthy and empowered families.”

The Daddy Daughter Dance will be held at the brand new Greater Stuart Boys & Girls Club located on southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The evening will begin at 5PM and will include food, a DJ, a photo booth, giveaway prizes and more.

The cost is just $10 per family. Tickets are available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/GOO/

 For more information about the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families, particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Martin County Healthy Start Coalition has joined the ranks of some of the country’s largest and most innovative maternal health providers to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. It is the only organization in Florida invited to be part of the National Healthy Start Association’s Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Community Care Initiative (AIM CCI).

“We are excited to be in the company of providers like the  Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic in New Hampshire, the Eli Collins for Premature Infants at the Williamsburg County Community Coalition in South Carolina, and Hello Neighbor Smart Start in Pennsylvania,” said Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “It puts us in a leadership position in the state to establish Local Maternal Safety Workgroups and work with community partners to improve birth outcomes for our mothers and babies.”

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition received another accolade from the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. It was named a Clinical Community Integration Champion at the association’s 2023 annual meeting.

All of the Healthy Start Coalitions on the Treasure Coast – Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee - came together this year to collaborate in a community process called Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR). A Case Review Team examines the details leading to each incident of infant death on a monthly. The Community Action Group then develops and executes an action plan based on what they’ve learned to prevent future fetal or infant losses.

Martin County’s infant mortality rate stands at 1.2 deaths per thousand births, a significant decrease since Healthy Start began its work in 1994. At that time the rate was 12.31 deaths per thousand births.

“All of our partners have worked hard to provide the care and support expectant mothers need to be able to deliver healthy babies,” Suffich says. “Our current rate is an improvement, but we know that every infant loss is one too many. Every effort to prevent such a tragic loss is worth it.”

Healthy Start is home to Madison’s Miracles, which offers bereavement support to families who experience such a loss. More information about Madison’s Miracles is available at the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition website, www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Driving rhythms, fast-paced footwork, and sky-high enthusiasm enthralled the audience at the 2023 Dancing with the Martin Stars, the signature fundraising event of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Healthy Start, which offers support and education to pregnant women and infants, celebrated its 12th anniversary of the popular event on September 23 at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart.

The sellout event was a resounding success, raising more than $200,000 to support essential programs in Martin County that help ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.

The format for the evening included a dynamic, local cast of nine Martin County “celebrities,” each paired with a professional dance instructor. These brave, novice dancers not only put their best foot forward to shine on the dance floor, but were also tasked with raising funds from friends, neighbors and business colleagues through sponsorships, ticket sales and contributions.

The goal was to win enough votes from a judges’ panel to claim bragging rights as the Dancing with the Martin Stars Champion 2023.

Dr. Brian Moriarty, owner and president of Loving Chiropractic of Stuart; Megan Acosta, former ballroom dancer and instructor turned realtor for Brokers Choice Realty; and Dmitriy Kuzmenko, owner and professional ballroom instructor at In Motion Ballroom served as Judges. Mike Gonzalez, a 2018 Star Alumni, emceed the event for the third year in a row.

Carol Briseno of Martin County Parks & Recreation and her dancing partner Jang Don walked away with top honors and the coveted trophy for highest combined scores in both dancing and fundraising.

In addition to Carol and Jang, these dancers also brought the audience to a pitch of enthusiasm: Noel Thomas, CEO of Zero Trafficking, paired with Cheri Shanti Garcia; Joan Goodrich, Executive Director of the Martin County Business Development Board, paired with Craig Galvin; Jacilyn Mikels, Director of Aesthetics at JeuneNu Aesthetic with Women’s Health Specialists, paired with Michael Chaves; Nikki Leserra, Creative Director at Sky is the Limit Events and Marketing, paired with Brian Spector; Tony George, Elder Law attorney, paired with Marianella Tobar; Monique Robbins of Pretty Little Cupcakes, paired with Yusell Garcia; Dr. Kurt Barnhill, Precision Chiropractic & Rehab, paired with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; and Dr. Edward Savage, Cardiothoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, paired with Tanya Chaves.

There were several award winners in a variety of categories: Overall Champions Carol and Jang, who were also the Top Fundraising Team and Top Dancing Team;  First Runner-Up Dance Team and First Runner-Up Fundraising Team Jacilyn & Michael; Second Runner-Up Fundraising Team Tony & Marianella.

 “We’re so grateful for the entire community who support us each year,” Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich said. “From our local celebrities who danced their hearts out on stage and raised funds off stage to the audience that filled the Lyric to capacity, everyone brought their passion for both the event and the cause it supports.”

The evening’s sponsors included: Casco Companies, Inc., HOG Technologies, JeuneNu Aesthetic Beauty & Laser Center, Premier Air & Private Jets, Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, Inc., Ashley Capital, FPL- Florida Power & Light, Zen Den Infusion Lounge, The Gordana Uscumlic Foundation, Women’s Health Specialists, Owen Insurance Group, Madoli Marketing, Coastal Detox, and Sunshine Land Design.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Babies go through a lot of diapers in a month. That puts a real strain on the budgets of families who are already just squeaking by financially.  A new national report by the National Diaper Bank Network, the NDBN Diaper Check 2023, found that nearly one in two American families with babies are experiencing difficulties in providing diapers for their infants.

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition staff know that this is true locally as well. “In the past we were giving out 8,000 diapers a month to families at the financial margins,” says Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “This spring, we gave out a record breaking 17,000 diapers a month!”

Families eligible for the Healthy Start Diaper Pantry frequently have to decide between buying diapers or paying utility bills or even putting food on the table. “Not being able to provide your baby with clean diapers is emotionally stressful,” Suffich says, “but it also leads to health problems.”

The statistics from 2022 tell the story. The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition served 3,561 clients; 145,000 diapers were distributed; and 507 new clients were added to the service.

To meet the growing need, the Healthy Start Coalition operates its free Diaper Pantry at each of these locations: the Healthy Start offices on US 1 in Stuart, the Golden Gate Enrichment Center in South Stuart, Booker Park in Indiantown, and the House of Hope offices in Indiantown.

“We always need more diapers for the pantry,” Suffich says. “We welcome donations of diapers or dollars to help us with something as simple and as urgent as diapers for a baby.”

Any Martin County resident with a child under the age of 3 can enroll in the diaper pantry. For a complete schedule, go to the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.org, or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Stuart, Fla. - Lucy Collazo, a recent retiree from the local business community, has found a whole new career through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s Doula program.

In her first year with the program, Collazo helped fifteen women give birth to healthy babies, won the praise of her clients and colleagues, and earned the title of “Doula of the Year.”

“Lucy has both the skills and the compassion to make her an excellent Doula,” said Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “She is right by the mother’s side every moment with care and support, and that makes a tremendous difference in helping us achieve our goals of every baby born healthy and every mother supported, regardless of race, ethnicity or income.”

A doula is a trained non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The Doula program is designed to serve low-income, high-risk women throughout their pregnancy and the birth process to improve pregnancy, maternal, and infant health outcomes.

Since the program began in May 2022, Healthy Start has trained 33 doulas. In just one year, doulas assisted in 72 births. “Our doulas help us to be fully responsive to our expectant mothers,” according to Margo Keane, program coordinator. “They come from the communities we serve and they understand the needs of the women and their families. They are that crucial link between the mothers and the medical professionals.” Ten of the doulas are bilingual in English and Spanish, and four of them speak Creole.

National studies show the techniques used by doulas have a positive effect on the whole family and lead to better birth outcomes. With doula support, women tend to need less medical intervention and their babies tend to be born healthier than without this personal support.

“I first heard about the Doula program from a friend,” Collazo said. “I’m so glad that I followed up and joined the program. It’s truly life-affirming.”

The Doula training program is funded through the Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund and Ranieri Family Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation Martin - St. Lucie along with the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.

Community members interest in becoming a Doula or receiving doula services can contact Community Doula Program Coordinator Margo Keane at mkeane@mchealthystart.org, 772-463-2888, x145. 

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Stuart, Fla. - The glitter and glam of Old Hollywood took center stage in mid-April at the 2023 Hometown Hollywood Black-Tie Gala in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its Madison’s Miracles program.

Guests were treated to a dazzling setting of glimmering gold and true red carpet style at the Elliott Museum, where great food and spirited dance music made the event memorable.

Madison’s Miracles, the newest member of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition family of services, provides compassionate support to families who have been stricken with the unimaginable loss of a baby during pregnancy or during or after birth. “We were honored to welcome Madison’s Miracles into our family of services last year,” said Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “Healthy Start is dedicated to supporting families in the joys of childbearing, and now we are their resource in those heart-breaking moments of loss as well.”

The gala’s silent auction featured an electric guitar from Colorado Pawn & Jewelry, a custom hand-forged chef’s knife, and art by Omari Maynard. The live auction included a crawfish boil, and emerald and diamond necklace from Van’s Uniforms, and once in a lifetime trips. In addition to auction proceeds, sponsorships, and ticket sales, funds from a special call-out for support during the event will be used to sustain the Madison’s Miracles outreach efforts as well as the doula program, car seat program, and mental health services from Healthy Start.

Suffich gave the guests a quick summary of the past year’s achievements: “Between Healthy Start nurses and social workers visiting 178 families during the joys of pregnancy and issuing 145,000 diapers to growing babies, we have now filled the last gap in our continuum of care by serving over 70 families during the miracle of childbirth with our community doula program. We are revolutionizing maternity care by challenging healthcare providers to minimize maternal health disparities and support healthy, empowered births.”

Sponsors of the gala include: Remax of Stuart-Rosi Shepard, Spot On Strategies, John & Alex Carrigan, Paul J. Feinsinger CPA CFP, Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, Lucido & Associates, Marine Bank, PNC Bank, SJM Aerospace, SouthState Bank, Samantha & Knight Suffich, Van’s Uniforms, Vivify Solutions, Well Done Hospitality, White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery, and Yates Funeral Home.

For more information, contact aaulisio@mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Black women are three times as likely to die during childbirth as White women. This is a startling national statistic.

Martin County has not had a maternal death since 2009, an important achievement, but Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich reminds the community that there is still a disparity between the experiences of Black and White women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Black women, for example, frequently begin getting prenatal care later in their pregnancy than White women, which can lead to complications during childbirth or after the birth of the baby.

“Healthy Start is committed to ensuring that every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved, regardless of race or income. We are reaching out to the Black community especially during Black Maternal Health Week,” Suffich says, “so they know how to find us and what resources we can offer.”

During the free event on Saturday, April 15 at the 10th Street Community Center in Stuart, Healthy Start and its community partners will offer information about available services along with fun activities for the whole family. There will be music, snacks, face painting, fairy hair, and the feel of a strong community.

Not quite a Baby Shower, the event is being described as a “Baby Sprinkle.” Everyone is welcome to attend. Community organizations that want to participate or anyone with questions can contact Healthy Start’s Community Engagement Manager Jill Taylor at jtaylor@mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families, particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Shamony Gibson died tragically just 13 days after the birth of her son. Amber Rose Isaac died during an emergency C-section. Both of these Black women died due to complications that could have been avoided.

Aftershock is a compelling film that follows their bereaved partners and family members as they become activists for Black maternal health and fight for the changes needed within the medical community and government programs.

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition will hold a panel discussion about this film at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 at StarStruck Academy & Theater on Kanner Highway in Stuart. It is free and open to the public.

Nationally, Black women are three times as likely as White women to die from pregnancy-related causes. These causes range from limited access to health care to lack of maternal and child education, economic disparities, and systemic racism within some health and social services. Martin County has not had a maternal death since 2009, but there have been instances of Severe Maternal Morbidity, meaning a close encounter with death during the prenatal period, birthing and delivery, or post-partum.

“This film has gotten great reviews,” Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich said. “It captures the intense feelings of the families involved and shows that Black maternal health issues are about real people, not statistics. It’s also a positive film, showing that there are solutions to the problem of the disparities we see even in our own community for Black women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth.”

Community members are invited to watch the film on Hulu before coming to the panel discussion. “If you’ve watched the film, the discussion will be even richer,” Suffich said. “However, everyone is welcome to join us on April 1. It’s a chance to come together for creative actions to eliminate disparities.”

For further information on the film and the discussion, visit the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Responsible, loving fathers who are positively involved in the lives of their children play a key role in bringing up successful, well-adjusted adults. For many fathers, it’s hard to do this on their own, and they may not have good role models in their own lives. Now, thanks to the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, fathers in Okeechobee will soon have access to the services of the David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center right in their own community to help them be the best dads possible.

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s mission is to ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved. The Father and Child Resource Center is part of Healthy Start’s family of services. “Our goal is to promote responsible fatherhood and provide resources to fathers regardless of family circumstances,” said Drew Gray, Director of Fatherhood Programs. “We believe, and research proves, that having fathers be a part of children’s lives, showing them love and giving them positive role models, strengthens both families and the wider community.”

The State of Florida agrees, passing a bill this year that enables the Healthy Start Coalition to hire two full-time fatherhood educators and expand its services into the Okeechobee community.

Services will include evidence-based parenting classes, support groups for fathers, and free legal consultations. These services will be offered in partnership with the Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition.

The Father & Child Resource Center has been supported for many years by the Children’s Services Council of Martin County, the Hobe Sound Community Chest, and SouthState Bank. These generous funders continue to put their resources into this important and unique community program.

“The Father and Child Resource Center is a distinct and innovative program, not widely available anywhere else in the country. We’ve seen the tremendous results it achieves by involving fathers in positive ways in the lives of their children,” said Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “We’re encouraged that the State of Florida is making fatherhood a priority and eager to expand these programs and broaden our reach and impact.”

Healthy Start Coalition is seeking individuals to fill the two fatherhood education positions. Anyone who is interested should contact the organization at 772-463-2888 and through the website www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care. Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children. The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost. For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

If Len Goodman, one of the judges from the popular Dancing with the Stars television series, had attended Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s local Dancing with the Martin Stars event he surely would have given it a 10 out of 10!

Healthy Start, which offers support and education to pregnant women and infants, hosted their signature fundraising event on September 24 at the Lyric Theatre.

The event was a resounding success, raising over $200,000. Thanks to the hard work of all the dancers and their supporters, these funds will go towards essential programs in Martin County that help ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is supported, and every father is involved.

The format for the evening included a dynamic, local cast of nine Martin County “celebrities,” each paired with a professional dance instructor. These brave, novice dancers not only put their best foot forward to shine on the dance floor, but were also tasked with raising funds from friends, neighbors and business colleagues through sponsorships, ticket sales and contributions. The goal was to win enough votes from a judges’ panel to claim bragging rights of Dancing with the Martin Stars Champion.

Each team chose their music and dance styles, including combinations of Swing, Rumba, Paso Doble, Salsa, Cha Cha, Bolero, Argentine Tango, Desert Dance, and Musical Theater Jazz.

The show was a sellout! Attendees filled over 500 seats in the Lyric, 50 viewers livestreamed the event, and a private showing at Hudson’s on the River, a restaurant in Downtown Stuart, also reached full capacity.

Guests were treated to an energized evening of entertainment that opened with a high-powered dance routine by Marianella Tobar's Latin Addiction Formation Dance Team, followed by a video vignette of each team and the star dancers.

Mike Gonzalez, a 2018 Star Alumni, emceed the evening with his usual enthusiasm, style and humor for the second year in a row, and fourth year involved in the event.

Samantha Suffich, chief executive officer of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, and Steve Swindler, board president, welcomed the audience and shared the mission and programs of the nonprofit.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Aubrey Campbell, Martin County Healthy Start’s director of operations, worked with Toni Ryll of Team Holland and Jennifer Yormak of Starstruck to produce a seamless event from start to finish.

After intermission, and before the winners were announced, world-class professional dancers Andrea & Dmitriy Kuzmenko wowed the audience by dancing a smooth cha-cha.

There were several award winners in a variety of categories:

• First Runner-Up Dance Team: Jessica Alvarez and Michael Chaves, with a score of 29.
• First Runner-Up Fundraising Team: Rio Ratermanis and Marianella Tobar, raising $27,234.
• Top Dancing Team: Natalie Desmangles and Brian Spector, with a perfect score of 30.
• Top Fundraising Team: Donna DeMarchi and Bob Murray, raising $38,131.
• Overall Champion Team: Natalie Desmangles and Brian Spector.

“There was a tremendous amount of energy in the theater, and it was clear the audience was having a great time watching their favorite local stars dancing their hearts out for a great cause,” said Suffich. “Thanks to everyone’s contributions, we will better be able to fund and service Martin County families with the important programs our coalition offers.”

Participating Dancers:

• Kasia D’Auria, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart, paired with Jang Don
• Donna DeMarchi, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney with the Eberst Law Firm, paired with Bob Murray
• Jane Hallick, President of Jane’s Dane Boutique, paired with Craig Galvin
• Jessica Alvarez, Founder of Velo Med Spa, paired with Michael Chaves
• Natalie Desmangles, Assistant Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, paired with Brian Spector
• Rio Ratermanis, Clinical Educator with HCA Center for Clinical Advancement St. Lucie Hospital, paired with Marianella Tobar
• Dr. Noor Yono, Premier Neurology, paired with Leah Landau
• Tyler Raynes, SLC Commercial Real Estate, paired with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe
• Dr. Rabih Kashouty, Neurostrive, paired with Tanya Chaves

Judges:

• Dr. Brian Moriarty, owner and president of Loving Chiropractic of Stuart
• Charles Jones, lead singer of the Jazz R & B Unit, The Charles Jones Trio and owner of CDJ Entertainment
• Andrea Kuzmen, owner and professional ballroom instructor at In Motion Ballroom

Sponsors:

• $10,000.00    The Eberst Law Firm - Car Accident Attorneys
• $7,500.00      Hudson’s on the River
• $5,000.00      Casco Tools, Inc.
• $5,000.00      Chris & Donna Follmer
• $2,625.00      Ashley Capital
• $2,550.00      SouthState Bank
• $2,500.00      Loving Chiropractic of Stuart, Inc.
• $2,500.00      Neurostrive Hydration and Med Spa
• $2,500.00      Premier Neurology and Wellness center
• $2,500.00      The Gordana Uscumlic Foundation

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is the new home of Madison’s Miracles, a nonprofit organization that provides help and resources to families who have experienced the trauma of still birth or the death of an infant.

“We  are honored to welcome Madison’s Miracles into our family of services,” said Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “Healthy Start is dedicated to supporting families in the joys of childbearing, and now we will  be their resource in those heart-breaking moments of loss as well.”

Madison’s Miracles was founded by Christina and Chris Stamper after they heard the words that no parent ever wants to hear: “I’m so sorry. There’s no heartbeat.” In honor of their infant daughter Madison, they assembled a group of services in her name that includes support groups and workshops, hospital memory boxes, remembrance events, and assistance with funeral expenses and grief counseling as needed. 

When the Stamper family made the decision to relocate to North Carolina, they wanted to ensure that Madison’s legacy continued.

“It is especially appropriate that we make this transition during October, which is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month,” Suffich said. “Healthy Start has already begun administration of Madison’s Miracles programs and will continue them without interruption to families in need.”

Healthy Start will also continue coordination of the annual 5K Run/Walk for Babies Gone Too Soon, a fundraiser and awareness event sponsored by Madison’s Miracles for the past five years. The 6th annual run/walk will take place on Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Memorial Park in Stuart. Event details will be available on the Healthy Start Coalition website at www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - The curtain goes up on the 2022 edition of Martin County’s Dancing with the Martin Stars at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart.

Tangos, tap dances, sambas and waltzes will take center stage in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its mission to ensure that every baby in our community is born healthy and every mother receives support.

The premise of Dancing with the Martin Stars is simple but challenging: local volunteers learn dance steps from area professionals, raise funds from friends and neighbors, and then vie for the judges’ votes to claim bragging rights.

“Dancing with the Martin Stars is always a fun  event,” says Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “The purpose, though, is very serious. The funds our volunteers raise help us with our many programs that provide prenatal care to expectant mothers and then follow through to be sure that babies are born healthy and receive the services the family needs for a successful future.”

This year’s contestants include: Kasia D’Auria, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart, paired with professional dancer Jang Don; Donna DeMarchi, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney with the Eberst Law Firm, with Bob Murray; Jane Hallick, President of Jane’s Dane Boutique, with Craig Galvin; Jessica Alvarez, Founder of Velo Med Spa, with Michael Chaves; Natalie Desmangles, Assistant Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, with Brian Spector; Rio Ratermanis, Clinical Educator with HCA Center for Clinical Advancement St. Lucie Hospital, with Marianella Tobar; Dr. Noor Yono, Premier Neurology, with Leah Landau; Tyler Rayes, SLC Commercial Real Estate, with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; and Dr. Rabih Kashouty, Neurostrive, with Tanya Chaves.

The dancers are actively raising funds in advance of the event. Community members can support a favorite dancer through the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.com. Tickets to the event are available through the Lyric Theatre box office, www.lyrictheatre.com.

The dancers are actively raising funds in advance of the event. Community members can support a favorite dancer through the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystaA Sponsors Only cocktail party will be held before the dance competition begins. The Eberst Law Firm is the evening’s title sponsor and encourages individuals and organizations to join them at sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $10,000.rt.com. Tickets to the event are available through the Lyric Theatre box office, www.lyrictheatre.com.

For more information, visit www.mchealthystart.org or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Twelve local women have completed training through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition to become community-based doulas.

A doula is a trained non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The Doula training program is designed to serve low-income, high-risk women throughout their pregnancy and the birth process to improve pregnancy, maternal, and infant health outcomes.

“Doulas can make an enormous difference to mothers and babies, particularly for women who may not have other support available to them,” says Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “Because a doula is a member of the community, she can form a strong bond with the mother in the weeks leading up to giving birth, making sure the expectant mother  has everything she needs and is doing the right thing for herself and her baby. A Doula then stays with the mother through labor and is available during the crucial time after birth to help a mom  with breast feeding and successful bonding with her baby.”

The Doula training program is funded through the Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund and Ranieri Family Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation Martin - St. Lucie along with the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.

National studies show the techniques used by doulas have a positive effect on the whole family and lead to better birth outcomes. With doula support, women tend to need less medical intervention and their babies tend to be born healthier than without this personal support.

“Doulas do more than whisper a gentle reminder that you are doing well, remind you to breathe, and rub your back,” said Anglica Fereshetian, one of the Healthy Start doulas and a Childbirth Educator. “Doulas remind their pregnant clients that they are superheroes! When I see new families become the strongest and most confident versions of themself through support, education, and the bringing forth of a new life, I am rewarded with the knowing that this family has their own superhero story.”

A second Doula Training Course will be offered later this summer. Community members who want to participate in the training or receive doula services can contact Community Doula Program Coordinator Margo Keane at mkeane@mchealthystart.org, 772-463-2888, x145. 

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Fathers and their children are invited to a fun day in the park on Saturday, June 18, to celebrate Father’s Day and the essential role fathers play in the life of a family.

The David Cardno Father & Child Resource Center and the City of Stuart have joined forces to create Father Fest 2022 in Flagler Park in Stuart from 10 a.m. to Noon. The Stuart Police Department will be grilling food, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County are setting up games for fathers and kids to play together. All activities are free, and no advance registration or tickets are required.

“We know from extensive research studies, as well as common sense, that children do better with an involved father,” says Father & Child Resource Center Program Director Drew Gray. “Father Fest is a great way to celebrate dads and spend quality time together as a family. “

The David Cardno Father & Child Resource Center is part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, a nonprofit with the mission to ensure that every baby is born healthy. The center was created in 2000 to address the issue of father absence within the county. The center encourages men to become more involved and committed fathers through evidence-based parenting classes, support groups, networking opportunities, and legal assistance for fathers separated from their children. A special program works with incarcerated fathers to help them remain constructively involved in their children’s lives.

“If we help men become involved and motivated fathers, we create healthy and empowered families,” Gray says.

Sponsors of the June 18 Father Fest include Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, the City of Stuart, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, and Hobe Sound Community Chest.

For more information, visit www.mchealthystart.org or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Thanks to a 2022 grant from Impact 100 Martin, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition will soon be able to bring prenatal care to pregnant women most in need of these services in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout the community.

The $100,000 award help will fund Healthy Start’s Maternity-On-The-Move, or M.O.M. Mobile. The 38-foot mobile clinic will be equipped with an exam room, ultrasound imaging equipment, lab station, restroom, waiting area, and counseling room. It will travel on a regular schedule to Indiantown, Hobe Sound, East Stuart, and Golden Gate.

“We’re grateful to Impact 100 for supporting this transformative service. Our M.O.M. Mobile will have a significant impact in our community, particularly in the lives of uninsured pregnant women who have difficulty getting transportation to a central location,” says Healthy Start Coalition Chief Executive Officer Samantha Suffich. “Our ability to bring prenatal and family-centered services to their doorstep will improve their opportunity to give birth to healthy babies and protect their own health.”

The $100,000 grant will be pooled with Martin County Board of County Commissioners’ seed support of more than $284,000 through ARPA funding. The M.O.M. Mobile will be on the road early next year.

Martin County continues to lag behind the state in the number of pregnant women who begin getting prenatal care in the first trimester of their pregnancy, a critical  time for assuring healthy births to healthy mothers. Statistics show that women without adequate prenatal care are much more likely to give birth to babies with significant health risks. They also show that Black and Hispanic women are less likely to enter prenatal care early and more likely to receive late or no prenatal care than White, non- Hispanic women. The M.O.M. Mobile will improve access to prenatal care for these women.

“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” Suffich says, “and every mother and family deserve care and support. Our M.O.M. Mobile will have a tremendous impact on their lives and on the overall health of the community.”

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families , particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Stuart, Fla. - Martin County Healthy Start Coalition knows how to throw a baby shower! With its mission to assure that every baby is born healthy, the coalition sponsored an informative baby shower at the 10th Street Recreation Center in Stuart on April 16 during Black Maternal Health Week.

Expectant mothers and families enjoyed activities for young and old alike and received information from community providers about the many organizations that an expectant mother can call on for help.

A cake made out of diapers, free memberships, baby item gift baskets and a post-partum survival kit were raffled off. Families also had an opportunity to receive free diapers from the Healthy Start Coalition Diaper Program.

“This statistic may be surprising, but we know that on average, women of color, even in Martin County, are three to five times more likely to have severe complications as a result of pregnancy than white women,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition Executive Director Samantha Suffich, “So we were especially pleased to bring our partner agencies to our East Stuart baby shower and connect them with the Black community. Every expectant mother deserves all of the services our community can offer to help them deliver a healthy baby.”

Participants at the Baby Shower included: Banner Lake Community Center, Bell House Birth Services, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties, the Florida Department of Health, Just Believe Recovery, Light of the World Charities/Little Lights Dentistry, Madison’s Miracles, SafeSpace Inc., Mary’s Home of the Treasure Coast, Suncoast Mental Health, and YMCA of the Treasure Coast.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Comprehensive range of no-cost educational and health services to pregnant women and their families, particularly those who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.