1) WHAT IS A FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER?
2) WHAT DO FAMILY RESOUCE CENTERS DO?
3) WHO PARTICIPATES AT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS?
4) WHAT ARE FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS?
5) HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
6) HOW DO I FIND SUPPORT FOR MY FAMILY?
7) WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

1) WHAT IS A FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER?

Family Resource Centers are dynamic places where community happens. They are: Accessible, welcoming places that serve as a supportive "hub" for all kinds of families and the local community; Places that promote the inherent strengths of individuals and families, in order to reduce the need for crisis interventions or other costly services in the future; Effective and creative places to find information about educational, medical, and social services; Places where people work together to create positive social change.

2) WHAT DO FAMILY RESOUCE CENTERS DO?

Family Resource Centers operate independently, and offer the services, programs and activities that reflect the priorities of the local community. However, it is important to note that all Family Support New Hampshire Family Resource Centers provide a common set of core services:

Parent education, training and support: This may include Center-based classes in child development, nutrition, anger management, job preparation and parenting for children of all ages. Centers may also provide home visits for families with newborns, screening and detection services for children at risk of developmental delays or disabilities, adult education classes and short-term childcare.

Family activities: Centers provide a range of fun, inexpensive, and educational activities for parents and children to help promote socialization and informal learning. Activities typically include such things as "pot-luck" dinners, family reading night, movie nights, "open-mike" nights for teens, and learn and play groups for parents and their young children.

Referrals: Centers provide information about and referrals to medical and social services, including: family planning, mental health counseling, assistance and drug and alcohol abuse, fuel assistance, legal aid, health care, and help with violence in the home.

Community Development: Centers are local "hubs" for involvement in a range of other local community development projects. Centers often convene broad-based community discussion about juvenile delinquency, hate-crimes, lack of housing, and improving the local economy and help develop community-based responses to these issues.

3) WHO PARTICIPATES AT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS?

Family Support New Hampshire Family Resource Centers share the belief that all families need support at some time, regardless of social or economic status. Centers in the network have a particular commitment to helping young parents give their children the best possible start in life.

4) WHAT ARE FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS?

Family Support Programs provide at least one of the services found at a Family Resource Center and work in conjunction with Family Resource Centers to support families. Programs may be open to everyone or targeted to meet a specific need like families with children with chronic health conditions or adoptive families.

5) HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Visit your local Center: This will help you immediately understand the importance of the Center for your community and find creative ways to support your local center's work.

Consider volunteering: Most Centers offer a range of volunteer opportunities - from mentoring a young parent or reading to a child, to answering the phones or organizing books in the lending library. It's a great way to support this important community resource, and the personal rewards are immeasurable.

Make a financial contribution: Centers are usually run on a "shoe string" budget so your financial help is always needed.

6) HOW DO I FIND SUPPORT FOR MY FAMILY?
Visit your local Family Resource Center and talk with someone on the staff. Whether you need a list of local child care providers, or plan to finish your High School Equivalency Degree (GED), you will find well-trained, compassionate and professional staff to assist you.

7) WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Click here to find The Family Resource Center or Family Support Program near you. Email Family Support New Hampshire info@fsnh.org for more information.