When visiting the Family Resource Center, guests will feel at home. A staff person greets visitors and offers them a cup of tea or coffee, shows the parent-lending library, resources, explains programs, support groups and parent education class options, volunteer opportunities and more.
Expert resource and referral services are available for family information and challenges they may face at the time. Children are welcome at the center, where there is a play section and snacks to offer.
South Whidbey Family resource Center
The Family Resource Center is a unique partnership between the Readiness To Learn Foundation and the South Whidbey School District which shares strengths and resources to create and sustain programs for children and families. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and available for scheduled classes and appointments. It is located on the South Whidbey Academy campus in a grey/green portable behind the main building.
Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten registration kicked off April 25 and parents are urged to stop by South Whidbey Elementary School to register their child for the 2013-14 school year. Contact Donna Evans or Gay Bitts at 221-4600. Bring certified birth certificate and immunization records.
Rapp – relatives as parents program
Are you raising a grandchild, niece or nephew? 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, which also welcome drop-ins. For more information and to sign up, call Lauri Johnson at 360-221-0484.
Single moms group
For moms who feel isolated, want a night out, or would enjoy someone to speak with confidentially who also parents alone – or feels like they are – the Single Mom’s Group has the necessary support in the highs and lows.
The group is open to any mom who is parenting alone, or feels alone, and needs the support of other single moms. Join this group in a casual and confidential atmosphere. It meets once a month from 5:30 to 8 p.m. A complimentary potluck-style dinner and free childcare upon advance request.
To RSVP with childcare, call 360-221-0484.
Parents of KIDS with special needs
All parents and caregivers of children with special needs of any age are welcome to join this monthly support group. Lend support or receive support and 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 the second Friday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Childcare is provided upon request and in advance. Call the Family Resource Center at 360-221-0484 to RSVP and for more information.
Families In Transition
Life doesn’t always pan out the way it’s planned. When the unexpected happens, the Readiness To Learn Foundation is there to help. For someone who finds themselves without a home of their own contact the foundation for support services and resources. Being homeless includes staying with friends until a deposit is saved for another rental, staying in a motel, or living in their car for a few days.
When this happens, students have the right to stay in school, become immediately enrolled in a new school without initial documents, and receive free lunch and transportation to school. Children and youths in transition have equal educational rights of housed children. For more information and to reach the South Whidbey School District’s homeless liaison, call Marilynn Norby at 360-221-6808 ext. 4602.
May’s volunteers of the month
This month the Readiness to Learn Foundation celebrates many volunteers who attended its Spring Spruce Up Day at the Family Resource Center. Young and old alike joined in the work of pulling weeds, pruning bushes, planting new flowers and hauling trash. The center’s yard area looks beautiful now.
