As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible difference you’ve made by supporting Public Health Solutions. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to serve thousands of New Yorkers who turned to us for help. With the holidays fast approaching, I want to share a story that captures the profound impact of your generosity.
It’s the story of Stefani and Jasminda, and how, together, they turned a season of uncertainty into one of hope and resilience.
In the fall of 2019, Stefani was overwhelmed. Five months pregnant with her second child, she had just been laid off. Her husband, Daniel, was supportive, but the stress of pregnancy and financial insecurity was straining their relationship. To make matters worse, Stefani was diagnosed with preeclampsia, and her doctor told her a C-section was inevitable. She was terrified—not just of the surgery itself, but of how she would recover while caring for her four-year-old son, Noah. Desperate for help, Stefani reached out to Public Health Solutions’ free home-visiting program—and met Jasminda.
We’re here for healthy families. It’s about more than a healthy mom and baby—it’s about building strong, connected families.
– Jasminda Rodriguez, Senior Family Support Specialist
From the moment they connected, Jasminda became a lifeline. Understanding Stefani’s fears about surgery, she encouraged her to get a second opinion. Skeptical but hopeful, Stefani followed her advice—and was relieved to learn she could safely deliver her baby naturally.
But Jasminda didn’t stop there. She saw the tension in Stefani and Daniel’s relationship and stepped in to help. After Noah’s birth, Stefani had experienced postpartum depression, something Daniel had struggled to understand. Jasminda facilitated open, honest conversations between them, creating a space for them to share their feelings and strengthen their partnership. Daniel later shared: “I’m not the type to open up a lot. But when Jasminda came in, I just felt comfortable. She included me in the conversation and helped me share my perspective.”
Throughout the rest of Stefani’s pregnancy, Jasminda was always just a call away. She visited weekly, helping Stefani prepare and reassuring her at every step. When the big day came and Stefani’s water broke, Jasminda stayed on the phone, guiding and comforting her until the moment Chloe was born—a healthy, beautiful baby girl, delivered naturally.
Five years later, Stefani and Daniel are thriving. Chloe, now a bright and bubbly five-year-old, recently graduated from the Home Visiting Program. To mark the occasion, Jasminda organized a special graduation ceremony. Stefani smiled as she watched Chloe and Noah beam with pride.
“Noah and Chloe love Jasminda,” Stefani shared. “She’s part of our family. Even though we’ve graduated from the program, I know we’ll stay connected.”
This is the difference you make. Because of your support, families like Stefani’s have found hope, strength, and a brighter future.
As we look to the New Year, we need your help to continue providing these life-changing services. If you’d like to make one final gift to sustain our home-visiting programs and other critical services, please donate today.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for standing with us. Together, we’re building healthier families and stronger communities.
With gratitude and warmest wishes for the holiday season,
Lisa David, President & CEO of Public Health Solutions