Family Spirit 

The Cherishing Families Program, also known as Wazóki Na Wakarašišik Ra in Ho-Chunk, provides our Family Spirit classes. Family Spirit is an evidence-based, culturally-centered home-visiting course designed specifically for Native American Families. Delivered by our Cherishing Families Team, these home-visits provide guidance and support to expecting and new parents.

Cherishing Families Throughout Early Childhood

Core Curriculum For Parents of Children 0-3

The core curriculum includes 63 structured lessons focused on parenting, promoting optimal development for children from 0 to 3 years old, and family well-being. Through this curriculum, parents build the knowledge and skills needed to support their child’s development across key areas, including physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language growth. Our team of trained Family Spirit Health Educators will meet you in your home and work with you to increase your parenting knowledge and skills, address maternal psychosocial risks that could interfere with positive child-rearing, and connect you to community services to address specific needs. 

Thrive Curriculum For Parents of Children 3-5

Family Spirit Thrive will be available in Winnebago, NE in June of 2026. The Thrive curriculum is being expanded to serve up to age 5, and a curriculum to use with their home visiting service. Our team of trained Family Spirit Health Educators will help prepare children for early school success and ensure they receive recommended well-child/healthcare visits. Family Spirit Thrive is a 20-lesson supplement to the core curriculum that includes content for families with children ages 3-5.

Together, these Family Spirit modules combine one-on-one home-visits a relevant curriculum of essential educational topics, enabling both parents and children to develop the critical life skills and positive behavioral outcomes that will serve them for a lifetime.

Why Build a Better Toolkit of Parenting Knowledge? 

During the early years that matter most, our personalized visits and practical guidance will allow you and your family to gain tools you can use in everyday life to support well-being. We believe that every parent deserves support, guidance, and care that understands their community. This program supports parents in strengthening their knowledge and confidence in their caregiving role while helping to reduce stress and promote a safer, more stable home environment. It also prioritizes maternal well-being by supporting emotional health, lowering stress and depression, and encouraging healthier daily habits.

Learn Methods Rooted In Community

Parenting is a huge responsibility. You are not alone in parenting. We are a team of relatives from your community dedicated to helping you "Wazóki Na Wakarašišik Ra" or cherish your family!