We believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed, and our family resource centers are here to help. Whether you need assistance with housing, employment, education, or health, we provide various services that can help improve well-being and strengthen families’ futures.
“I am honored to take on this leadership role within my community, and I know there is more work to be done to deepen our engagement with families throughout the region,” said Kris Collier, North Central regional director. “Our reimagined approach to holistic family support, coupled with other exciting changes statewide and in our backyard will only continue to enrich our ability to show up for and support families how they need us, when they need us, to continue succeeding in all aspects of life.”
A long journey has brought me to the Wenatchee Valley in central Washington state. I am thrilled to purse the next leg of my career in a newly created role as Washington Family Support Network Director in support of family well-being and development across the entire state of Washington for Children’s Home Society of Washington.
“I’m not a reformist, I’m not an abolitionist. I’m just a person who cares about people and wants them to have the best chance in life,” Selivanoff told BuzzFeed News. She said what she truly wants is a system “that sees every person in a family as deserving and capable.”
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.
“I was fortunate to have so many supportive people through my reunification process. The biggest lesson I learned: Never be closed off that you can use help. There are always things you can improve about yourself, your situation and relationships, so don’t be afraid to use the resources offered and lean on people who are there to support your success.” - Briana H., Parents for Parents Coordinator
After a particularly heated argument with Annie one day, Megan picked up the phone and called a crisis line for help. That’s when she learned about Children’s Home Society of Washington (CHSW) and the WISe program (Wraparound with Intensive Services) through one of our Family Resource Centers (FRCs). Little did she know that her simple act of asking for help would eventually change her family’s lives for the better.
Family Resource Centers (FRCs): what are they, and why are they vital to the well-being of our communities?
At Children's Home Society of Washington (CHSW), we like to think of an FRC as a one-stop shop where families and individuals can get all the help they need at a centralized location. FRCs offer a variety of services that are designed to empower our communities through the Family Pathways Framework. This involves three key areas:
· General services, like walk-in information or referrals to another organization
· Center services, such as programs and services at the FRC for early learning, behavioral health, parenting or life skills
· Family development, to set goals and track progress
Every family deserves to succeed, and we’re here to help. CHSW operates eight FRCs across the state, each providing a safe and welcoming space where families can access various resources and services to help improve their well-being.
For example, we recently enjoyed serving the Kapoors*, a Hindu family who came to us with multiple needs. Despite transportation and language barriers, our staff was able to provide them with support, like connecting them with a new car seat, diapers, and clothing for their children – and helping them fill out applications for healthcare enrollment and other public assistance programs.
It’s important to hire staff from the same communities they will be serving, especially when it comes to supporting families from different backgrounds. This way, our team can offer personalized and effective help based on shared experiences.
Ayana is one such staff member from the Ethiopian community who was once a former participant in our home visiting program. Because of her experience with the program and interest in helping other families like hers, she was hired to help interpret and facilitate a Play and Learn group offered in the Amharic language. She also provides outreach to and enrollment for other Ethiopian families who could benefit from our home visits and other services. Ayana and her daughters continue to be involved in the Center in other ways and have volunteered at family events held by the center throughout the year.
Stories like the Kapoors’ and Ayana’s are living proof that the people we help today can become the light for the families we’ll serve tomorrow. Our team provides a supportive and non-judgmental approach to assessing a family’s needs while providing a clear path forward. We are proud to serve as trusted partners to families so they never have to walk life’s path alone.
*All names have been changed to protect anonymity
Kristen Conte is the director of marketing and communications for CHSW.
Rebecca feared that seeking help for her mental health struggles and Isabella’s behavior would result in involvement from Child Protective Services. She loved her daughter more than anything, but she couldn't shake the fear that she wouldn't be able to provide the stability they needed to stay together.
“I am honored to take on this leadership role within my community, and I know there is more work to be done to deepen our engagement with families throughout the region,” said Kris Collier, North Central regional director. “Our reimagined approach to holistic family support, coupled with other exciting changes statewide and in our backyard will only continue to enrich our ability to show up for and support families how they need us, when they need us, to continue succeeding in all aspects of life.”
A long journey has brought me to the Wenatchee Valley in central Washington state. I am thrilled to purse the next leg of my career in a newly created role as Washington Family Support Network Director in support of family well-being and development across the entire state of Washington for Children’s Home Society of Washington.
“Triple Point made me feel normal and validated for who I was. I never felt isolated, alone, or wrong for being who I was while I was at Triple Point. I made friends, learned more about my community, learned about all kinds of different resources in our area, and felt like I had adults in my life who understood and supported me.”
Like most families, Walla Walla, Wash. couple Stephen and Kendra Barfoot were impacted by COVID-19 as they fought to find a “new normal” amid the challenges of 2020. Parents to six-year-old Scarlett and 3 ½ year-old Noah, The Barfoot family has benefitted from the Early Head Start and Mobility Mentoring Bridge programs offered through Children’s Home Society of Washington.
“The kids were removed on a Friday and we were told they’d be home Monday,” Jamie recounted. “We didn’t see them again for nine weeks.” At a crossroads, Chris and Jamie were pushed to seek the help they so desperately knew they needed, fueled by the powerful motivation of getting their children back home with them in a safe, stable environment.
Lora and Matt Bowden are a Washington couple with a passion to care for children in need. They have 10 children, a combination of biological and adopted children ranging in age from 35 to six years old, including siblings Angel (12) and Zaayne (6) who were adopted in 2020 through a collaboration between Children’s Home Society of Washington’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) program and DCYF, part of the Washington state 10-year Permanency Initiative.
