Greetings to the month of May with hopes of sunshine and warmth, flowers and gardens, children and families happily playing out of doors!
Much is happening around the South Whidbey Family Resource Center. Time has flown by again this year as we come to the downhill ride towards graduations, celebrations, and vacations. We have had a tremendous year filled with Parent Education classes and One-Night Workshops thanks to a grant from Children’s Trust Foundation, as well as the hard work and consistent, caring supports of Family Resource Center staff, local volunteers and monetary donors.
We are always interested in suggestions from families as we plan for future class offerings. Please call Parent Education Coordinator Marilynn Norby at 221-0484.
In this way we can plan, and look forward to, classes for next year.
Our Parent Library
Looking for books on childhood development, adolescence, behavioral challenges, Aspergers Syndrome? We have a small but mighty lending library right here in the Family Resource Center.
Stop in and browse, have a cup of coffee, and relax.
A big thank you to the elementary school library for donating their two comfy couches!
Library books may be kept for a month; if you have any overdue books, please drop them off so others may check them out. Thank you.
We gladly accept used or new books on parenting, teens, children, self-care, etc. Please help add to our selection!
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 12, with a break for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. It will take place in the old community room in the kindergarten quad of the elementary school. Look for the Readiness To Learn table and please stop by to learn about the services and opportunities we offer.
Can’t catch us at kindergarten registration? Our Family Resource Center is located in the light green portable next to the kindergarten playground at the former primary’s school campus.
Our office hours during the school year are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
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? An older child (or children) and a newborn?
Mother Mentors is there to assist. To learn more, call 221-0484 or e-mail them at mothermentors@whidbey.com.
Mother Mentors is our newest program under the Readiness To Learn Foundation.
Families In Transition program
If any family is in a temporary living situation or doubled up due to economic hardship we can help! If any student in this situation needs a birth certificate or immunization records to enroll in school please let us know.
Our Families In Transition (FIT) program addresses the ever-growing challenge of families facing homelessness. We are here to offer ways in which to keep students stabilized in school while in transition. We can address family basic needs, DSHS outreach, resources to other helping agencies and more.
Our family and student advocate and homeless liaison for the South Whidbey School District are available year-round. Come visit the resource center and learn about our individualized services.
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 campus in the light green portable next to the small playground.
For more information or to sign up please 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, your joys and your challenges to this supportive environment.
The next meeting is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
For more information and for RSVP with childcare, call 221-6808, ext. 4602 or our direct line, 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. Share laughter and tears, lend support or get support, and relax with other parents who share the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Meeting are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month in the South Whidbey Family Resource Center. Please RSVP with childcare needs. Call the center at 221-6808, ext. 4602.
DSHS Outreach
Heidi Blindauer, our Department of Social and Health Services outreach worker, will be in the Family Resource Center from 9:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays with a break from noon to 1 p.m.
The third Wednesday of the month, hours are 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Save yourself a trip to Oak Harbor when applying for the food program, medical benefits, and childcare benefits by making a South End appointment. Heidi will meet with you privately to help with the application process, and answer any questions you may have. Call the FRC directly at 221-0484 or at 221-6808, ext. 4602.
Look for the new DSHS Internet Kiosk at the Family Resource Center that will provide links to more family resources and allow you to start the process yourself online.
Volunteer of the Month
We are so happy to announce Mary Michell as our May volunteer of the month. Mary has come full circle as a parent participant and volunteer to being our Family Resource Center intern.
Many of you will remember Mary as an ECEAP preschool teacher, here, on South Whidbey’s school campus. Mary has two sons in the middle school and has just finished her human development degree from WSU. Way to go, Mary! Thank you for becoming part of our team and for bringing a ray of sunshine into the center.
Contact Information:
Readiness To Learn Foundation/
SW Family Resource Center
SW primary school campus,
in the light-green portable,
5476 S. Maxwelton Road, Langley. Call 221-6808, ext. 4322 or ext. 4602 for more information.
Direct line: 221-0484
