The Oliver, Ian, and Serenity Wolk Fragile Beginnings program is committed to improving the lives of parents of premature infants and other infants who have had a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

In Massachusetts, one in ten babies is born prematurely and many more spend time in the NICU. We provide therapeutic support and developmental guidance, as well as a connection to other families who have also experienced the stress of a NICU stay.

Our clinicians, trained in perinatal and infant mental health, work to support the developing parent-child relationship beginning in the hospital and during and after the transition home. We have found that parents welcome the opportunity to process their experience and to begin to move forward with the support of a Fragile Beginnings clinician.

The free support provided through Fragile Beginnings includes:

• Fragile Beginnings Telehealth and Home Visits: Fragile Beginnings clinicians provide vital support to the parents and caregivers of vulnerable infants. We offer therapeutic support, parental guidance in understanding their unique babies, and connections to other JF&CS and community resources. This free service is available to any family in Greater Boston whose baby was born prematurely or spent time in the NICU.
• Fragile Beginnings Support Group: This virtual support group for parents whose babies have spent time in the NICU provides an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents who have shared similar experiences and concerns. This group, facilitated by a JF&CS group leader, meets weekly on Zoom. The group is offered at no charge to participants. 

To Refer Yourself or Someone Else

To learn more about what Fragile Beginnings offers or to make a referral for yourself or someone else, contact CERS Intake at cersintake@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1200. Referrals are accepted during pregnancy or the child's first year. Fragile Beginnings is non-sectarian, free of charge, and open to all parents in the community. Please let us know if you require any accommodations to participate.