Heart to Heart is a local nonprofit that works with expecting mothers during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The organization relies on private donations and grants rather than state or federal funding, a model that allows it to offer services without income restrictions. Leaders say that funding also helps ensure items provided to families meet current safety standards.

“So those large grants primarily serve Knox County, and we primarily have Knox County donors,” said Paige Williams of Heart to Heart. “But the large grants allow us to buy those brand new cribs and brand new car seats, which eliminates using donated items that we can’t verify the safety of right now.”

Williams said community funding plays a key role in how the organization supports families locally and in nearby areas.

Find out more on First City Focus