LOCAL WOMAN PROVIDES QUILTS TO KIDS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS

Children in the Division of Public Health's (DPH) Child Development Watch (CDW) Program get some extra warmth and support from Seaford resident Jane Medford who has created more than 100 quilts for CDW kids at no charge with love in every stitch. A brunch in honor of the generous Mrs. Medford will take place Friday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. at CDW located at 18 N. Walnut Street in Milford that will features some of her quilts.

"I've always had a heart for children," Mrs. Medford said. "When they're sick or unwell, it's so sad. If everybody does something, no matter how small, it adds up."

Dr. Carol Owens of CDW recalls a special colorful quilt made by Mrs. Medford to visually stimulate a small child with visual issues, and three matching quilts in different colors for a set of triplets. "The quilts are a way of giving comfort to families who are in the midst of some really tough and uncomfortable situations," explained Dr. Owens. "Some of the families we see don't have a lot to start with. The quilt is something warm they can keep with them, a reminder that someone cares. It's theirs to keep."

Also to be honored at the Friday brunch is Robin Fantyl from the DPH Kids Kare Program. Robin promotes the Cribs for Kids program, which enables families with no resources to provide safe sleeping arrangements for their children.

CDW is the statewide early intervention program for children ages birth to 3. The program's mission is to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays and to enhance the capacity of their families to meet the needs of their young children. By monitoring and measuring a childs developmental progress, the program can pinpoint difficulties which should be focused on, better eliminating or overcoming barriers to learning and development. Mild to severe developmental delays are fully supported through this program, giving families a much needed resource.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.