Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Expecting and current parents of kids under age 5 can turn to WIC for money to buy healthy foods, help with breastfeeding, health check-ups, and supportive care. When you need it, WIC is there. WIC is more than people think, and WIC works! Click to visit our WIC webpage.

Skagit Dads Connect is a FREE group that meets over 13 weeks to focus on making family relationships stronger and putting the pieces into place for you and your kids to succeed.

Whether you’re expecting your first child, parenting a toddler, or a teen, this program gives any father the practical tools and proven strategies for raising their child in a positive, connected environment. 

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a free, supportive program for people expecting their first baby. When you enroll, you’ll have your own personal nurse who will get to know you and your family and visit with you throughout pregnancy and until your child turns two. Your nurse is there to support you, answer questions, share information, and help you feel confident as you prepare for and navigate parenthood. NFP has been shown to improve health and well-being for parents and children.

For questions or referrals, please email Janna.Uffelman@UnitedGeneral.org, or call 360-770-7743.

Join us for one of our three Play & Grow Drop-in Groups! Whether you’re caring for a tender newborn or a curious 2-year-old, these sessions provide connection with other parents/caregivers, age-appropriate activities, and facilitation by a Help Me Grow Nurse and Perinatal Support-WA Resiliency Specialist.

All groups are FREE, last an hour, and no registration is required. Find more information here.

United General District 304 is constantly working to improve the lives of children and families in Skagit County. Some of our programs are highly visible, such as promoting Vroom brain-building tips. At the same time, we are coordinating initiatives behind the scenes, such as breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, that have an impact on how families live, work, and play. View the initiatives we’re working on now by visiting our Early Childhood Initiatives page.

Our area is lucky to have many groups and organizations who are working to improve the lives of young children and families. The Children’s Council of Skagit County (CCSC) brings all those people together to make sure their efforts go farther together! Whether it is providing education and training for early learning professionals or better understanding kindergarten readiness, CCSC is looking out for local families. Click to visit the CCSC website.

The Help Me Grow Newborn Outreach Program supports families during the critical postpartum period by meeting parents at the hospital before returning home.  Our Newborn Outreach Nurse provides brief education, links families to local resources, and offers a welcome bag filled with helpful information and supplies. By strengthening community connections from the very beginning, the program helps ensure parents feel supported, informed, and confident as they transition home with their new baby. Newborn outreach visits take place at Skagit Valley Hospital and Island Health. Skagit families who give birth outside of the county are provided with local information about how to connect to services and support when they arrive home.

Lantern sends you tips via text message to help you in your parenting journey. We cover it all: tantrums, nutrition, brain-building activities, local events, and much more!

Messages are based on your child’s age, from pregnancy through age 8. Start anytime by texting KIDSWA to 274448. Lantern is a non-profit organization. They don’t sell advertising space or share information.