Thank you!

A big thank you to the community for supporting our 14th Back To School project!

As usual, it was a success, serving more than 250 students to be ready to learn on the first day of school. We hope all our families and students are settled into the new school year and on their way to a great year.

If families still need help with school supplies, call the Family Resource Center at 221-0484. Drop in for a cup of coffee and browse our parent library while you’re at it.

We welcome families to visit the South Whidbey Family Resource Center and see what services and resources are available. We offer DSHS outreach once a week for medical and the food program without having to drive to Oak Harbor, referrals for eligible families needing energy and rental assistance, the WIN Lunch Program for weekend lunches, referrals to medical support through Friends of Friends Medical Support Network, parent education classes (starting in January), support groups, student support for academics, support for families experiencing homelessness due to economic hardship and more.

Holiday House 2011

The holidays will be upon us soon! Look for upcoming information about this year’s Holiday House.

All eligible families can enjoy a fun, shopping experience in a store-like atmosphere. Volunteer opportunities are available too. Call the South Whidbey Family Resource Center at 221-0484 to learn more.

RAPP – Relatives as Parents Program

Are you raising a relative’s child? Is the child your grandchild, niece or nephew? You are not alone!

There are more than 35,000 grandparents and other relatives raising children in Washington state. Would you like to join an informal group of relative caregivers who understand what you are going through?

You are invited to attend a RAPP meeting once a month in the Family Resource Center. We also welcome drop-ins. We are located at the Primary School in the light green portable next to the small playground.

For more information or to register, call Marilynn Norby at 221-6808, ext. 4602.

Single Mom’s Group

Our group is open to any mom who is parenting alone, or feels alone, and needs the support of other single moms. Join this great group in a casual and confidential atmosphere, right here in the Family Resource Center.

We meet once a month and provide a light dinner and free childcare (upon request). Bring yourself, your ideas, joys and challenges to this supportive environment.

For more information and to RSVP with childcare, call 221-6808, ext. 4602 or our direct line at 221-0484.

Parents of Special Needs Children Group

All parents and caregivers of special needs children of any age are welcome to join this monthly support group. Relax with other parents who share the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.

Meetings take place in the Family Resource Center. Childcare is provided upon request. Call Norby at 221-6808, ext. 4602 to RSVP.

Mother Mentors

“Free vital support for families with young children.”

This is a program offered by volunteer women who remember what it is like to be at home with little ones. Do you have a newborn? Or an older child or children under the age of five? Mother Mentors is here to assist!

To learn more call 221-0484 or email wamothermentors@gmail.com. Mother Mentors is our newest program under the Readiness To Learn Foundation.

Our Parent Library

Looking for books on childhood development, adolescence, behavioral challenges or Aspergers Syndrome? We have a small but mighty lending library right here in the Family Resource Center.

Drop in and stay awhile. Library books may be kept for a month; if you have any overdue books please drop them off so others may check them out.

We gladly accept used or new books on parenting, teens, children, self-care, etc. Please help add to our selection.

Volunteers of the Month

Our November volunteers of the month are mother and son Catherine Ball and Luke Brown.

Catherine and Luke have been faithful volunteers for several of our programs. They have devoted countless hours during our most recent program, the Back To School Project.

Catherine is devoted to her community and teaching her son the value of giving. Catherine and Luke are delightful to have on our volunteer team and we look forward to their next opportunity to work with us.

Thank you for being our cheerful volunteers this November!

Contact Information:

Readiness To Learn Foundation/South Whidbey Family Resource Center

South Whidbey Primary School Campus, in the light-green portable, 5476 S. Maxwelton Road, Langley. Call 221-6808, ext. 4322 or ext. 4602.