Q. How do I sign up for a home visitor or a support group?
Call Good Beginnings (603) 542-1848 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Anyone who answers the phone will be happy to help. Or you can drop by our offices at the Diana Love Center for Children and Families, 169 Main Street in Claremont, during these same hours.
Q. How much does it cost?
Good Beginnings has a sliding fee scale for all of our services. We bill health insurance for covered services and have grant funding to cover costs that are not paid by insurance. Our evening parenting classes and support groups are free of charge. The fee for childbirth classes is $50 for the four-week series, with scholarship assistance available. The fee for the visitation center is $50 per hour; however, fees may be waived for eligible families. No family is denied services due to inability to pay.
Q. What if all I need is help with breastfeeding my newborn?
We have two lactation counselors on staff who would be delighted to answer your questions about breastfeeding your baby either in your own home, here at Good Beginnings, or over the telephone. Call (603) 542-1848 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and ask to speak to a nurse.
Q. Are my children too old to qualify for services?
We offer programs for families with children beginning before the child is born until the child reaches 18 years old.
Q. What if don't want someone to come to my home?
Many of our clients prefer to meet us at our offices at the Diana Love Center or somewhere else in the community - a park or a library, for example. Your comfort and convenience is important to us. Just let us know your preference.
Q. What kinds of support groups/classes do you offer?
We currently offer a weekly support group for teenagers (ages 14-21) who are expecting a child or who have a child; a monthly support group for mothers of all ages, and a weekly support group for fathers of any age. We also offer a monthly journaling group for mothers. The four-week series of childbirth classes is repeated monthly. Check our events calendar or call 542-1848 for scheduling and information about signing up.
Q. Can I use a room at the Diana Love Center for an event I am planning?
The Diana Love Center offers meeting space on a first-come, first-served basis to community organizations and individuals. Non-profits may use the center on an in-kind basis or for a modest donation to cover costs. Private individuals and businesses may use the center for a fee of $100 a day. Contact Good Beginnings at (603) 542-1848 to reserve a room.
Q. What are the hours of your children's boutique?
Second Beginnings is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Q. How do I become a Good Beginnings volunteer?
Good Beginnings has many volunteer opportunities. For more information about becoming a mentor for new mothers contact Ellie Tsetsi (603) 542-1848. For more information about helping at Second Beginnings contact store manager Priscilla Tarleton at (603) 542-1848 or drop in to the store. Volunteers are also needed for receptionist duties, child care assistance, and building maintenance. All Good Beginnings volunteers receive a criminal background check at our expense.
Q. How are Good Beginnings' programs funded?
Good Beginnings depends on contributions from businesses, churches, community organizations and individuals, grants from private foundations, and third-party reimbursement. Second Beginnings Children's Boutique is also a source of financial support for our program.
Q. Is my contribution to Good Beginnings tax-deductible?
Good Beginnings has been designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and a donation to Good Beginnings may be tax deductible. Please consult your accountant or tax advisor for more information about the tax benefits of making charitable contributions.