Fairfax County Family Resource Centers...
are neighborhood-based drop-in centers offering a safe, relaxed setting for family-oriented, on-site programs, resources, activities and classes to strengthen families in their communities. Currently, Family Resource Centers serve families in the Culmore and Springfield/Franconia communities. With a focus on parenting and family support, the centers are a collaborative effort among community-based organizations, the private sector and county agencies to bring services, information and resources to parents and children.
MISSION
Through collaborative efforts with public and private community-based organizations, the mission of the Family Resource Centers is prevention-focused, involving families and other community members in strengthening families, protecting children, and assisting families in developing self-sufficiency skills and effective networks of support.
How were the centers started?
Family Resource Centers (FRCs) were first established in neighborhoods nationwide in the 1980s as part of a movement to strengthen families and communities addressing needs for family supports aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, and to provide general assistance and local resources for families.
FRCs were first brought to Fairfax County by the Department of Family Services under a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce and prevent child abuse and neglect in communities. Over the years the number of centers has fluctuated in response to community need. It should be noted that throughout the nation and the county, Family Resource Centers take many forms depending on the community each serves. Our centers are operating under the auspices of the Department of Family Services with the active support and collaboration of the Police Department, owners of apartment complexes, the human services community, both public and non-profit, and other county agencies.
Resource centers operate in a variety of settings, such as public housing complexes, apartment buildings, local community centers, and religious facilities. Other Fairfax County centers which provide family and child support services are operated by nonprofit organizations and by the County’s Office for Children through the Head Start program.
What philosophy underlies the centers?
The philosophy behind our centers reflects a commitment to:
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work collaboratively with participants and interested community
representatives to plan and implement programs that serve the best
interests of the families and communities where they are established.
An important goal of the FRCs is for each to establish a group of
interested citizens and family participants to act as an oversight
body, providing ideas, recommendations, resources and viewpoints
based on knowledge of their neighborhoods.
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develop culturally appropriate, prevention-oriented programs which
effectively promote child protection and build on the strength and
importance of families.
How are community needs determined?
Community needs are assessed through focus groups; in-home and/or informal interviews with neighborhood residents, citizens and organizations with a vital interest in the community; and analyses of demographic data. Activities and programs are then designed to meet those needs. Primary activities at county centers currently include:
- Parent education and support groups.
- "Homework centers," tutoring and language classes.
- Joint parent-child activities, e.g., games, meals, events.
- Children’s clubs for various ages.
- Health screenings for infants and young children.
- Health referrals for parents.
- Cooking and nutrition classes.
- Free legal services.
- Substance abuse prevention programs.
How are the centers staffed and funded?
The success of the centers depends on volunteers from within the families and neighborhoods served, as well as from the larger community. Public agencies and organizations that contribute staff, space and/or operating supplies for county centers include:
- Department of Family Services
- Police Department
- Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board - Alcohol and Drug Services
- Alternative House, Inc.
- The Hispanic Committee of Northern Virginia
- Fairfax County BAR Association
- HEAD START Program
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Numerous community and faith-based organizations
Additional agencies, organizations or individuals offer their programs at one or more of the centers but are not otherwise involved.
Where are the centers located?
|
Est. 1992 |
Culmore Family Resource Center near Bailey’s
Crossroads
|
|
Est. 1993 |
Springfield/Franconia Family Resource
Center in Springfield
|
|
Centers where the Department of Family Services partners with other agencies to make the centers possible: |
|
|
Est. 2000 |
Crestwood Family Center |
For more information on Family Resource Centers
or for the information packet
“Establishing a Family Resource Center: Information and Guidelines for Getting Started”
or if you would like to volunteer at a center, call
Fairfax County Department of Family
Services
Prevention Services
703-324-7720
TTY 703-222-9452
This document is available in an
alternative format upon request. Please call 703-324-5870.
Allow two weeks for preparation of the material.