Desde El Principio - Family Network

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From the Center Director... November 2011 Dear Friends and Supporters of Family Network, Benjamin Franklin once said “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” At Family Network we couldn’t agree more. All of our programs provide a wide array of learning opportunities that enhance knowledge and foster the growth, development and wellness of children and families. Last year our programs served 1,605 parents and children and over 440 families. During this period: • Parents forged connections with each other in our Parent/Child Center, gaining knowledge about the critical early years while their young children made friends and learned new skills that helped prepare them to enter school ready to succeed. • In our Right From The Start Program, educational offerings included teaching parenting skills, English acquisition and financial literacy. Health, nutrition and fitness classes also promoted wellness and the prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and childhood obesity. • Children in our ASAP program received academic homework assistance in both English and Spanish, and experienced science, music and the arts through enriching hands-on activities that made their after school time both educational and fun. While we are very proud of the accomplishments highlighted in this annual report, we are confronted with a budgetary shortfall due to both cuts in private, corporate and government funding, and a significant increase in scholarship requests from our families. As we continue to see the adverse impact of one of the toughest economic periods in generations, our families are also facing greater challenges and requiring more support than ever. It’s during these difficult times that our mission is so vital. Please help us keep these critical services to our children and families going by making a generous contribution to Family Network. Thank you for your support; it makes a significant difference. Please note that due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, all contributions above what you gave last year will be doubled! Sincerely, Jordan Friedman, MSW, LCSW 2010-2011 Revenues and Expenses* Total Revenue: $756,084 Government 28% $209,275 Special Events & Individual Fundraising: 6% $44,948 Corporations: 2% $14,231 United Ways: 11% $80,398 Total % is over 100% due to rounding Total Expenses: $771,900 Administration: 19% $144,007 Fundraising: 1% $8,626 Foundations: 34% $253,674 Program Fees: 20% $153,558 Program: 80% $619,267 * Unaudited
THE PARENT/CHILD CENTER WHO WE SERVE/WHAT WE OFFER: The Parent/Child Center provides a warm, welcoming place where families can connect with others in the same stage of life and find support in the challenging job of raising young children. Founded in 1983 by early childhood professionals who recognized a community need, our programs continue to be based on the idea that providing support and education to young families helps build a secure foundation for the future. The Center offers a flexible, “drop-in” approach where families from diverse backgrounds can come for the day or join for the year. Nurturing, professional staff in three classrooms offer developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age four. The Parent Lounge and Baby & Me Room offer the opportunity for parents and caregivers to relax, recharge, and share ideas and concerns. Parents also learn from a variety of speakers on different topics and consult with an experienced social worker on site. From Isolation to Connection When Joanne and her family moved to the North Shore from Chicago, she had recently given birth to her second child, Andrea. She and her husband didn’t know anyone in the community, and Joanne felt very isolated at home with the baby and her 3 year old son Cameron. After learning about Family Network from a local preschool director, Joanne began attending the Drop-In program each week with both children. At first, Joanne didn’t interact much with the other parents at the center, and seemed worried about how Cameron would behave in the preschool room. She had never left her children with a babysitter and missed the support of her own mother who lived far away. Gradually, Joanne began to trust the staff and to ask questions about her children’s behavior, seeking information and reassurance about their development. Cameron did exhibit some behavioral problems, and Joanne shared her concerns and frustrations. She requested help from Cameron’s teachers and from our social worker, and over the course of several months began to learn more effective strategies to help her son. Although Cameron’s behavior was still challenging at times, it improved greatly with consistent expectations, positive limits, and age appropriate activities for this very bright little boy. Joanne began to relax and enjoy time in the Baby Room, sharing each developmental milestone with the Baby Room facilitator and other parents. As Cameron began to make friends, his mother also began to make new friends and to feel more confident as a parent. Family Nework provided support for this family during a difficult transition time in their lives. Joanna and her husband have made connections with other families, and their children are off to a good start in their development. As Joanna put it, “Family Network provided a community within a community for our transplanted family!” 2010-11 PARENT/CHILD CENTER STAFF —TERRY BEEM, PROGRAM COORDINATOR Marilú Betancourt, Dual Language Teacher • Carol Brusslan, Teacher • Pam Frankel, Baby & Me Facilitator • Geri Greenberg, Social Worker • Susan Grossman, Outreach Associate • Cathleen Hamili, Baby & Me Facilitator • Lisa Moser, Teacher • Jesse Pell, Summer Teacher • Patty Pell, Dual Language Teacher • Helga Schrimmer, Teacher • Lucrecia Soruco, Mi Bebe Y Yo Facilitator • Nancy Telling, Teacher
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Desde El Principio - Family Network

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