Supporting Family Centers to Help Meet Pressing Community Needs
With continued cuts and changes in federal programs threatening and damaging the social safety net in communities across Massachusetts, the Children’s Trust has provided $500,000 in funding to Family Centers across the Commonwealth to meet their most pressing needs.
“From SNAP to Medicaid, LIHEAP to Head Start, the programs that so many Bay State families depend on have never been at greater risk than they are today. Our Family Centers ensure that families at risk have access to the information, resources, and services they most need. These grants ensure that each center has the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their locality.”
Jennifer Valenzuela, Children’s Trust Executive Director
The Children’s Trust reallocated $500,000 in funding to seven sites to provide for acute needs. These include:
Cape Cod Children’s Place: Expanding parent education workshops, parent-child engagement groups, school readiness bootcamps, and family support services, as well as supporting concrete needs such as baby supplies, food, clothing, and emergency assistance for families.
City of Cambridge Center for Families: Assisting families with resource navigation, parent leadership development, food access and distribution, and concrete supports.
Family Center of Northern Berkshires and Child Care of the Berkshires: Implementing family assistance support to decrease family stress and strengthen families, providing concrete support for the Family Assistance Fund, and addressing cost-of-living increases for Family Center staff.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services/Martha’s Vineyard Family Center: Expanding center hours to provide additional parent/child activities and playgroups, parent education workshops, and parent support groups, funding for meals and snacks for participants, and providing concrete resources to support families’ emergent needs.
Medford Family Network: Expanding community outreach and direct family support services, including help with food assistance, utility and rent payments, and childcare subsidies.
Pioneer Valley Family Center: Addressing core service funding gaps to support center-based activities, including plan and learn groups, support groups, special family events, and staffing for the provision of individualized family support. Funds may also be used for food, childcare, and transportation, as needed.
“These funds are necessary, but they are also just a band-aid,” says Valenzuela. “In a state with as many resources as Massachusetts has, we must do all we can to fortify and support the safety net for all families. It is the only way we can ensure the safety of our youngest residents.”