Lending Library

Parent Education

0-3 Family Visiting

3-5 Home Visiting Program

Workshops

Support Groups

Play Groups

Family Activities

Mobile Resource Center

Warmline

One-To-One Support

Resource & Referral

Transportation

The library is packed with books, videos, cassettes, and magazines for you to borrow. On-site and internet resources cover all areas of family life, including preparing for a baby, single parenting, and parenting adolescents. Families may also choose to borrow from our toy lending library which features a variety of toys, puzzles, games, and books.

These workshops focus on family life issues from discipline and toilet learning to stress management and learning through play. Local experts facilitate these exciting and in- formative workshops regularly at the Center and throughout Columbia County.

A toll-free telephone line is available to talk with staff about individual parenting concerns. Call 1-800- 325-5505 or in Portage call 742-8482.

Staff will offer information, answer questions, work on specific issues with parents who have individual concerns. Call the Family Resource Center to schedule an appointment.

The Family Visiting program is available to any family from pregnancy through the child's third year. Visits focus on supporting new parents, understanding your child's development, establishing healthy and positive routines, the use of discipline for each stage of development, and taking care of yourself as an adult and a parent. Our Family Resource Advocates will arrange visits that meet your needs. We have a number of games, videos, and books available to help you build a strong family.

The Home Visiting Program is provided through Head Start. Head Start is a federally funded program for income eligible families with children ages 3-5. Families enrolled in Head Start receive weekly home visits focusing on child and family development issues.

All parents who would like the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and experiences with other parents are encouraged to attend the Support Group. The group allows parents to take time for themselves and offers support to help you maintain a healthy family.

An 8 week group-based course, focusing on things to expect as your child grows, how to improve family relationships, and alternatives to physical and verbal punishments. Parents will learn to communicate better, raise self-esteem and use positive discipline techniques successfully. Both parents and children participate in this course. Parents with children ages birth to five years are sure to enjoy this program.

The Mobile Center is loaded with toys and resources available for loan. The Mobile Center can make a scheduled stop in your community on a weekly basis. If you are interested in having the Mobile Center come to your area, give us a call!

The Family Resource Center needs your help to be a success! Volunteers are needed to assist with child care during workshops and parenting education sessions. Volunteers are also needed for assisting with office and library duties. Please call for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Family Activities describe programming intended for the entire family. Family Night Out is a two hour evening program. Family Night Out provides the opportunity for families to share a meal, have fun with their children and have some adult time during which child care is provided. Family Night Out runs in eight week sessions, meeting one evening per week. There are two series per year.

Weekly play groups for all families with children ages birth to five provide a nurturing time for parents and children to share art experiences, story time, singing, and free play. Call the Family Resource Center for times and days.