Home - Family Connects International - Non-profit Organization in Durham, North Carolina

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Essential Connections for Each and Every Newborn

Family Connects International strengthens connections for families with newborns and links them directly to supportive community care resources.

Through universal nurse home visits model, we provide guidance, healthcare connections, and reassurance to new parents to ensure every newborn gets the care and support they need to thrive.

Making an Impact, One Family at a Time

Our Journey Since 2017

146079

Families Served

245715

Referrals Made To Community Services

852

Nurses Trained

Where We Work

Discover where we work—click on a state below to explore our FCI locations.

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Our Story

Family Connects International (FCI) began in 2008 as a partnership between the Center for Child & Family Health and Duke University to support families with free, universal nurse home visits. In 2022, FCI became an independent nonprofit, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

By integrating short-term nurse visits with community resources, FCI ensures families receive the support they need during the postpartum period. Today, we continue working nationwide to foster healthier outcomes for newborns and their families.

See Our Impact

Real Results That Make a Difference

Randomized controlled trials of the Family Connects Model in 2009 and 2014 revealing significant benefits:

50%

Fewer ER Visits and Hospital Stays for Babies in the First Year

30%

Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression for Mothers

15%

Increase in Community Resource Engagement

News & Highlights

Women’s History Month: Advancing Maternal Health

March 2, 2026

Continue Reading Women’s History Month: Advancing Maternal Health

Black History Month Addressing Maternal Health

February 10, 2026

Continue Reading Black History Month Addressing Maternal Health

Honoring the Life of Dr. Janell Green Smith

January 8, 2026

Continue Reading Honoring the Life of Dr. Janell Green Smith

The Latest from Family Connects International on Facebook

Family Connects International

7 days ago

While welcoming a new baby in the family is exciting and full of joy, the period right after birth is a vulnerable time for new parents — and the data makes that painfully clear.CDC findings show approximately two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths occur during the postpartum period.Most of these deaths are considered preventable with timely support, earlier identification of complications, and stronger connections to care.This is exactly where universal postpartum care come in.Family Connects provides at-home nurse visits to every family with a newborn — at no cost — providing:– Clinical assessment of postpartum recovery.– Early detection of warning signs and complications.– Mental health screening, including for postpartum depression.– Tailored referrals to medical and community resources.– A trusted professional who knows what to look for and how to help.The weeks after birth shouldn’t be a period of isolation and uncertainty.They should be a period of connection, support, and guidance.Be a piece of the family strength puzzle by visiting FamilyConnects.org…#FamilyConnects #FCI #MaternalHealth #PostpartumCare #MaternalMortality #EarlyIntervention #HealthyFamilies #SupportNewMothers #EvidenceBasedCare #PublicHealth … See MoreSee Less

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Family Connects International

1 week ago

Connecting in person makes the impact even stronger. In early February, FCI had the opportunity to visit Family Connects Bastrop and Family Connects Austin/Travis County to learn more about the incredible work they are doing in their communities. We’re grateful for and inspired by partners who turn mission into action.#FamilyConnects #FCI … See MoreSee Less

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Family Connects International

1 week ago

Caring for a newborn is one of the most demanding roles there is. Every cry, every need, every shift in rhythm.And you’re learning about your baby while life is changing in real time.It’s a lot — because it is a lot.And you should know:– You’re showing up.– You’re doing great.– You’re caring for a whole new person — and that effort matters more than you know.At Family Connects, we believe every parent deserves encouragement, compassion, and support as they navigate this incredible transition.And sometimes, a few words of affirmation can be the reminder we all need: You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.Learn how at FamilyConnects.org…#FamilyConnects #FCI #PositiveParenting #ParentAffirmations #NewParentSupport #HealthyFamilies #CommunityCare #SupportNewFamilies #ParentingJourney … See MoreSee Less

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Bring Family Connects to Your Community

Join us in providing vital support to newborns and their families by implementing Family Connects in your area.

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COMMITTEE MEMBER

Bonnie Hepler (RN, MSW, MSPH, PhD) serves as Consulting Nurse Educator at FCI, where she oversees the development of accredited nurse trainings and materials. Bonnie is Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. She earned her PhD at Duke University in the School of Nursing and is a Fellow in Early Relational Health at University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine. As an F31 recipient, she studies relationships between mothers, infants and healthcare providers. She has prior experience as a Labor and Delivery/Postpartum Nurse with the Women’s Birth and Wellness Center and as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her Labor and Delivery experience, Dr. Hepler worked at RTI International promoting maternal and child health domestically and globally.

Her research specialized in caring for vulnerable populations, studying caregiver child interactions, and ensuring that all people receive quality, compassionate care. From evaluating breastfeeding policies in the Middle East to the impact of long acting reversible contraception in sub-Saharan Africa, Hepler shows a commitment to empowering women. Before joining RTI, she served as a research assistant with the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute focusing on teaching research methods to diverse audiences. Dr. Hepler also has worked with the Center for Maternal and Infant Health at the University of North Carolina on research and dissemination projects addressing topics such as use of 17P (progesterone) for preterm birth, postpartum depression, and healthy habits during pregnancy. Dr. Hepler interned for more than a year at UNC Hospitals as a social worker focused on pediatric oncology and inpatient child abuse. She also has experience as the Co-Director of SHAC, the oldest student run, free health clinic in the country.