The Healthy Start Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties, Inc.

02/07/2026

Thank you to Kashonda for sharing a heartfelt testimony about how the Healthy Start Nurse Home Visiting Program changed her life and aided to her discontinuation of prescription pain pills while she was pregnant, which she was prescribed to manage chronic back pain after a motor vehicle accident. Kashonda praised her Nurse Home Visitor, Michelle Miller, as someone who cared for her without judgement and provided alternative methods to help with her back pain. "Mrs. Michelle Miller never made me feel bad or less than for my decisions prior to getting pregnant but rather focused on what I was doing now to better me and my baby's health and life." Kashonda was accompanied by her husband Gerard of 20 years and their son, Gerard Jr.

02/07/2026

Thank you to Quince for sharing about the Healthy Start TEAM Dad Program and speaking about how it shaped him not only as a father but as a young man in society. "One of the Sessions from the handbook that really helped me was the topic on handling feelings and emotions. That Session really taught me how to regulate my feelings and emotions towards the mothers of my kids and other people." He acknowledged his Fatherhood Specialist, Darryl Williams, and the pivotal role he played in Quince's success in the program.

02/07/2026

Thank you to our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Vitucci.
Dr. Vitucci delivered a powerful address on the Positive Power of Home Visiting Programs equipped with the latest research on the lasting effects of home visiting. Her interactive presentation dispelled the myths surrounding the approach and results of home visitors and highlighted best practices.

02/05/2026

🌡️ Cold Weather Shelter Update

Temperatures tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 4, are expected to remain warm enough that cold-weather shelters will not be activated. However, colder conditions are anticipated to return, and cold-weather sheltering will be available the evening of Thursday, Feb. 5, for individuals without adequate heating or shelter.

📍 West Volusia
The Bridge, operated by the Neighborhood Center
421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand
Opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes around 8 a.m. with breakfast provided
Info: 386-734-8120 ext. 601

📍 East Volusia
Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) coordinates with local churches and nonprofit organizations to help connect individuals with safe, warm overnight accommodations. HUM does not operate a cold-weather shelter directly. Those needing shelter or transportation assistance should contact HUM at 386-317-5886 as early as possible. When available, transportation may be arranged through VoTran in coordination with community partners.

Volusia County continues to monitor weather conditions and work closely with community partners to share timely updates and support shelter providers as needed.

02/03/2026

This we're focused on protecting health during pregnancy, beginning with prevention. Regular prenatal care, good handwashing, safe food choices, and staying up to date on vaccines can help reduce the risk of infections.

01/29/2026

We’re looking forward to our Annual Meeting tomorrow and are especially excited about the adorable baby basket centerpieces. We sincerely thank our Board President and two volunteers for their help in putting them together.

01/28/2026

❄️ UPDATED: Cold Weather Shelters Activated
With cold temperatures expected to arrive this evening, community organizations across Volusia County will operate cold-weather shelters from the nights of Monday, Jan. 26, through Wednesday, Jan. 28, to support individuals without adequate heating or housing.

📍 The Bridge (Neighborhood Center)
421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand
🕡 Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
☀️ Guests may stay until: approx. 8 a.m. with breakfast provided
📞 More info: 386-734-8120, ext. 601

📍 East Volusia (coordinated by Halifax Urban Ministries)
Halifax Urban Ministries partners with local churches and nonprofit organizations to help connect individuals with safe, warm overnight accommodations. HUM does not operate a shelter directly.

📞 Those needing shelter or transportation assistance should contact HUM at 386-317-5886 as early as possible. When available, transportation may be arranged through VoTran in coordination with community partners.

01/27/2026

We would love for you to visit our table!

Join us this Wednesday at the Flagler Cares Help Night! This one-stop help night with Flagler Cares and community partners is open to the public and FREE to attend!

We’re also hosting a rummage sale featuring deeply discounted clothing, shoes, accessories & more. Come shop, support, and save! All proceeds will go toward support our youth programs.

📅Wednesday, January 28
📍Flagler County Village Community Room | 160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Bldg. B, 3rd Floor, Suite 304, Palm Coast, FL 32164
⏰ 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Participating Community Partners include:
• CareerSource – Workforce programs & resources
• Community Legal Services – 15-minute legal consultations
• DCF ESS Representative - Medicaid/SNAP Applications
• Early Learning Coalition – Early childhood support
• Easterseals – Autism screenings
• Family Life Center – Domestic & sexual violence resources
• Flagler Cares – Behavioral Health/CORe & MyACCESS Lab (Medicaid/SNAP assistance)
• Flagler County Human Services - Applications and services information
• Flagler OARS – Free Narcan distribution
• Foundations to Freedom - Information on sober living
• Healthy Start Coalition – Service screenings
• Lions Club – Vision & blood sugar screenings
• One Voice for Volusia – Rummage sale & prevention & youth resources
• Vocational Rehab – Job services & support

01/26/2026

Florida Birth Defects Registry

Birth Defects

01/16/2026

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our office will be closed on January 19th. We will resume normal business hours on January 20th.

We honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and the impact of his work on equality, justice, and community.