During a home visit with 19-year-old Mykia McCarter (not pictured), Buffao Prenatal Perinatal Network family support specialist Theresa McCall-Jenkins, 75, holds Mykia’s 16-month-old daughter LaMyla in her lap as Layla toys with McCall-Jenkins’ BPPN badge in Buffalo, Dec. 17, 2025. McCall-Jenkins has tried to retire four times over the course of her career, going through with it once at last three years ago, but she came back part-time after just a couple months, returning to full time not long afterward. “I love the people I work with, and I truly love my clients. So I don’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon, unless they just kick me out.” (Libby March/Buffalo News)
Mykia McCarter holds her daughter LaMyla, chatting with Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network (BPPN) family support specialist Theresa McCall-Jenkins about transitioning LaMyla to solid foods during McCall-Jenkins’ visit to McCarter’s home with her grandmother in Buffalo, March 12, 2025. BPPN is part of the Healthy Families New York system, connecting parents with capable workers who offer free information, guidance and support during pregnancy and early childhood. McCall-Jenkins has been conducting weekly visits to check on and mentor Mykia since late in her pregnancy. As a former teen mom herself, McCall-Jenkins shares advice from her own experience, and never shies from a tough conversation. Her advice may be hard to hear, but she hopes her clients will absorb it and use it when they need it. (Libby March/Buffalo News)
Theresa McCall-Jenkins dabs at the nose of Kevonnie Shelton, 5, in the arms of Kevonnie’s mother and Theresa’s client, Tazja Robinson, at a Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Easter bunny event at Pratt Willert Community Center in Buffalo, April 17, 2025. Robinson has been McCall-Jenkins’ client for years. The relationships McCall-Jenkins builds with clients often last up to six years, since families can stay in the home visiting program from pregnancy until the child turns five years old. Family support specialists like McCall-Jenkins also offer advice and support for the whole family, extending their help beyond the main child and mother in the program. (Libby March/Buffalo News)
Kevonna Shelton, 5, daughter of TheresaMcCall-Jenkins’ client, Tazja Robinson, eyes the camera as McCall-Jenkins starts to shut her car door, preparing to drop off the Robinson and her children after bringing them along to a Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network Easter Bunny event at the Pratt Willert Community Center in Buffalo, April 17, 2025. It is common for McCall-Jenkins and other family support specialists to ferry clients to community events and appointments. Her vehicle is also packed full of BPPN decorations and supplies for the Easter holiday gathering. (Libby March/Buffalo News)
ICYMI: Family support specialist Theresa McCall-Jenkins has been on the frontlines of the battle for infant and maternal health for over 25 years. She tried to retire, but came back within months and shows no signs of slowing.
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