How One Virginia Mother Found Day-to-Day Support Through People Inc.’s CHIP Program
How Sarah found day-to-day support through the Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) at People Inc.
Sarah Hess and her husband stand with their children at the LOVE sign in St. Paul, Virginia, celebrating family and community.
For Sarah Hess, support from People Incorporated isn’t new. It’s something that has followed her through nearly every stage of life.
As a child, Sarah participated in Head Start herself. Years later, she enrolls all six of her children in the same program. Over time, People Inc. becomes a constant presence for her family, offering structure, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Still, as a working parent juggling a full household, life often feels hectic.
When Sarah is introduced to the Comprehensive Health Investment Project, or CHIP, through Head Start, she doesn’t hesitate to try it.
“People Inc.’s Head Start program is great,” she says. “But adding CHIP is amazing.”
Taking the First Step
Like many parents, Sarah admits she feels nervous at the beginning. New programs can feel overwhelming, especially when life already feels full.
That feeling quickly fades. From the start, the CHIP team welcomes not just Sarah, but her children too. Staff take time to connect with her family, creating an environment that feels warm, supportive, and judgment-free.
“I was really nervous at first,” Sarah remembers. “It was new. But then everyone was amazing. Very welcoming. They’ve all loved my kids and welcomed my kids.”
That early trust makes it easier for Sarah to open up, ask questions, and begin building new routines at home.
Support That Goes Beyond the Program
One moment in particular stands out for Sarah.
In 2023, during a CHIP Christmas event in Haysi, her car breaks down. Around the same time, she has just gained custody of her nephew and is navigating a major transition at home. With transportation suddenly unavailable, it feels impossible for her children to attend the event.
CHIP staff step in.
They pick up Sarah and her children, making sure they don’t miss out.
During the drive, they talk about life, challenges, and what comes next.
“Even when it’s just helping with transportation,” adds Samantha Wright, a
CHIP Data Support Specialist, “it feels good to know you’re part of something that truly supports families.”
That moment stays with the staff as well. Early in her time with the program, Samantha helps arrange the transportation that evening. Listening to Sarah talk about her visits with her Parent Educator and the resources she has accessed reinforces why the work matters.
Years later, Samantha says she’s still grateful to be part of a team that can step in when families need it, even in small but meaningful ways.
That day reassures Sarah that CHIP support doesn’t stop at scheduled visits.
It shows up when families need it most.
“Knowing that if I’m ever in that position where I need assistance getting to activities or even the kids’ doctors’ appointments, they’re there,” she says.
From there, Sarah begins building structure that brings more calm into her daily life. With guidance from CHIP staff, she works on budgeting, scheduling, healthy routines, and household safety. Together, they create charts and simple systems tailored to her busy household, helping everyday responsibilities feel more manageable.
As a full-time working mom, that structure makes a real difference. Sarah says the guidance goes beyond logistics.
“Even healthy eating suggestions for the kids and healthy bedtimes,” she explains. “Things like that help me learn how to schedule, make charts, and stay organized, which really makes things a lot easier since I’m a full-time mom and full-time employee.”
Through steady support and practical tools, CHIP helps Sarah reduce anxiety, build confidence, and take small but meaningful steps forward.
“They really help with my anxiety of trying new things,” she says. “I’m able to go day-to-day with less stress.”
Rachel Stevens, a CHIP Parent Educator who works closely with Sarah, sees that growth unfold step by step.
“As a parent educator, I’ve seen firsthand how this program supports this family’s growth,” Rachel shares. She continues:
“Through CHIP, I watch Sarah gain confidence in herself and in her family. With the support and information she receives, she makes positive changes that strengthen family relationships and help her make lasting decisions that will continue to support them long after graduating from the program.
During my time with Sarah and her family, I also witness challenges they face head-on. Despite uncertainty and setbacks, Sarah consistently shows resilience. She continues to rise, show up, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth, even when the path forward isn’t clear.”
Moving Forward With Support
In 2025, Sarah experiences an unimaginable loss when her daughter passes away in a car accident. During her most difficult season, CHIP staff continue to check in, offer support, and provide consistency for her family.
Despite the grief, Sarah remains focused on caring for her children and maintaining stability at home. She credits CHIP with helping her stay grounded during a time when everything else feels uncertain.
Today, Sarah is one of CHIP’s strongest advocates. She regularly encourages other families to enroll and take advantage of the support available to them.
“It’s worth it,” she says. “Everyone’s been amazing. More families need this support, especially here in our county.”
The Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) is a voluntary, home-based program offered by People Incorporated of Virginia. CHIP supports families through personalized guidance focused on building healthy routines, household stability, and long-term well-being.
By meeting families where they are, CHIP helps reduce day-to-day stress and create practical solutions that fit real life.
To learn more about CHIP and other family support programs offered by People Incorporated of Virginia, visit peopleinc.net or connect with your local People Inc. team.
