When it comes to raising a large family, resourcefulness is key! It's all about finding ways to make things work. Just ask mom of six, Ophelia*.
Ophelia’s one of those moms you hear about who has an endless supply of love. With kids ages one to 18, she has been remarkably resilient through life’s ups and downs. Being a single, working mom of six means money can get tight, but Ophelia never lets it stop her. While she’s proud of her resourcefulness, she also isn’t shy about asking for help when needed.
During an appointment with the local Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) food program, she asked if they knew other resources to help her family. That’s when she heard about her local Children’s Home Society of Washington’s Family Resource Center (FRC). It was in the same building as the WIC office, so Ophelia could meet with someone at the FRC the same day.
FRCs offer a variety of services that are designed to empower our communities such as walk-in information or referrals to another organization, programs and services at the FRC, and setting goals and tracking progress.
During her visit, Ophelia was introduced to a Family Navigator who conducted an initial assessment to understand her needs. Through this process, Ophelia discovered a range of programs and services available to her family, such as early learning programs, food and clothing assistance, and employment support.
When Ophelia left the FRC that day, she was feeling optimistic. Unfortunately, she was dealt an unexpected blow soon after when her car was broken into, and her purse and ID were stolen.
Ophelia found herself in a tough spot. However, she knew she could count on her Family Navigator to help her. With just one phone call, they guided Ophelia on what steps to take to replace her stolen ID and repair her car window. In addition, she was connected with additional resources to make the process less stressful.
During that call, Ophelia also shared that she had difficulty having enough food to last the month because their EBT funds were not going as far as they used to. Fortunately, CHSW was hosting a community event that weekend where local organizations would distribute various resources, including diapers and canned food.
The day of the event, Ophelia was thrilled to discover a mobile dental van providing onsite care so she could finally address some tooth pain she had been having. She also got her kids set up with dental appointments, something she had wanted to do for a long time but didn’t have the insurance or finances to cover.
Over the following months, Ophelia stayed connected with the Family Navigator. They met in person several times and spoke through texts often. She became a trusted lifeline for Ophelia’s family.
Today, Ophelia and her youngest child continue to be involved in the early learning program and she often drops by the Center to connect.
What started with a simple question of, “Do you know of any other resources?” led Ophelia to discover a new support system through the North Seattle FRC. Now, she can’t imagine a more caring and welcoming place to belong.
Learn more about CHSW’s current FRCs around the state: https://www.childrenshomesociety.org/ (locations dropdown menu).
There’s no one way to be a family, but there is a right way to support one. It begins with this coordinated, comprehensive, and holistic approach at the level of community. We can begin with your help. To support more families like Ophelia’s, please give today.
*All names have been changed to protect anonymity.
Kristen Conte is the director of marketing and communications for CHSW.