Jeanne Smart has worked for Los Angeles County for more than 25 years, beginning in public health nursing field services and now in the development of supportive programs for children with special needs. She currently directs the perinatal nurse home visiting programs within Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health. She has successfully integrated county programs with community‐based programs that strengthen and empower families to meet the special needs of high‐risk infants and children. Ms.
Awareness of the afterschool programs and early intervention -- stories about their importance and effectiveness -- is very important to help combat prejudice, especially on television. But "for some reason, these stories don't sell," says Bennie Ford of LA's BEST, an afterschool program that offers education opportunities and programs to elementary schools in the City of Los Angeles.
