Opening Doors: Delegate Carrie Coyner Joins a Healthy Families Virginia Home Visit

Delegate Carrie Coyner chats about favorite books during a "Day in the Life: Shadow a Home Visitor" opportunity

When the City of Hopewell Department of Healthy Families invited Delegate Carrie Coyner to spend a day shadowing a home visitor, the goal was simple: show firsthand what home visiting really looks like inside the homes of families. 

The idea grew out of the team’s commitment to helping policymakers see the impact of programs up close. By opening their doors, they were able to highlight both Healthy Start Loving Steps and Hopewell/Prince George Healthy Families - two programs with different approaches, but the same mission of strengthening families. Inviting a legislator on a home visit offered a unique opportunity to highlight the strengths and differences of each program, particularly Hopewell/Prince George Healthy Families, which is aligned with Healthy Families America’s standards and serves as a long-term, holistic prevention resource for families. 

Planning the Visit 

Delegate Coyner received a personalized invitation to participate in a “Day in the Life: Shadow a Home Visitor” experience. The team began preparing about six weeks in advance, working closely with Delegate Coyner’s office and a participating family.  

Choosing the right family was important. They looked for someone who felt comfortable sharing their story and whose experience reflected the stability and resilience that home visiting helps build. 

The family was prepared ahead of time, with multiple check-ins to review the purpose of the visit and talk through any questions. Delegate Coyner also received a short briefing packet with program details, outcomes and stories to give context before the visit began. 

A Powerful Conversation 

The most memorable moment came when the parent welcomed Delegate Coyner into her home and shared, in her own words, how the program helped her gain confidence and create a nurturing environment for her children. Delegate Coyner listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on how policies can better support families like hers. 

That authentic exchange of pairing lived experience with the bigger picture was the heart of the visit. 

Beyond the Visit 

Delegate Coyner left with a deeper appreciation for the power of prevention and the dedication of home visitors. She even treated the team to a baseball outing where they were welcomed as VIP’s as a thank-you for their work. Just as importantly, the visit sparked ongoing conversations about funding, advocacy and participation in future community events. 

Lessons Learned 

For other sites thinking about hosting a legislator, the Hopewell team shared a few key takeaways: 

·       Keep it simple: A single-family visit with a small group allows for real connection. 

·       Pair data with stories: Policymakers remember the parent’s voice more than a page of numbers. 

·       Prepare both sides: Families need reassurance and guidance, while legislators benefit from a clear, concise briefing. 

·       Stay nonpartisan: Focus on shared goals like supporting kids, strengthening families and building stronger communities. 

Looking Ahead 

The visit with Delegate Coyner shows how powerful it can be when policymakers step into the world of families and home visitors. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful advocacy often happens not in a legislative chamber, but around a family’s kitchen table.