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National Home Visiting Week: Jessica’s Story

Home Visiting

Celebrating National Home Visiting Week

An illustration of a child drawing with the text 'Happy National Home Visiting Week'

The Children’s Trust is proud to join organizations across the country in celebrating National Home Visiting Week April 20-24. 

Home visiting programs, like Healthy Families Massachusetts, connect families with trained home visitors who partner with parents to provide support, guidance, and resources during the earliest, and most critical, years of a child’s life. Home visiting is linked to lower maternal depression, greater housing stability, reduced involvement with child welfare, and improved child development outcomes. 

The Children’s Trust partners with local organizations to implement Healthy Families Massachusetts within their communities, ensuring families have the support they need to thrive. This week, we’re honored to spotlight the dedicated home visitors who are making a difference for children and families every day.  

Photo of Jessica Ortiz, Healthy Families Home Visitor under text that reads 'Happy National Home Visiting Week' April 20 - 24

Meet Jessica Ortiz,
Healthy Families Program Coordinator at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC)

Seven years supporting families in Holyoke.

Jessica Ortiz has spent her career supporting families, but home visiting gave her a new way to do that work, by building relationships and showing up consistently. 

Her approach is simple. Be patient. Listen. Celebrate small wins. Those moments matter, and they build trust. 

One family she’s worked with for the past two years shows what that trust can lead to. They set a goal to buy a home and followed through every step of the way. They went from living in a camper, to an apartment, to owning their own house. Jessica supported them along the way, but their success is a reflection of their effort and commitment. 

For Jessica, the impact of home visiting goes beyond one family. It helps parents build confidence, advocate for themselves, and create stability for their children. 

“I care deeply for all my families and only want to see them succeed,” she says. “Watching the kids grow into these smart little people brings me so much joy.” 

Jessica Ortiz, Healthy Families Program Coordinator

Thank you, Jessica, for all that you do to support children and families across the Commonwealth.  

Jessica Ortiz, Healthy Families Program Coordinator with a young boy with short light brown hair in a black jacket. Sitting closely together, they both smile at the camera, celebrating National Home Visiting Week.
Jessica Ortiz, Healthy Families Program Coordinator alongside a young mom participating in the Healthy Families MA program.
A smiling woman in a gray beanie and a cheerful young child with curly hair take a close-up selfie together, both reaching toward the camera, appearing happy and playful as they celebrate National Home Visiting Week.

About National Home Visiting Week 

A purple house icon with a white heart in the center. Below, bold red text reads National Home Visiting Week, highlighting the event, and purple text beneath says April 20-24, 2026.


This story is part of National Home Visiting Week (April 20–24), a nationwide celebration recognizing the critical role home visitors play in supporting families and strengthening communities. Throughout the week, we’re highlighting home visitors across Massachusetts who provide trusted guidance, build meaningful relationships, and help ensure children and families have the support they need to thrive from the very beginning.