Introduction
The Family Resource Centers are drop-in (not drop-off) centers for young children and their families. Initially funded by NYS Office of Children & Family Services with federal support from the Children and Family Memorial Trust Fund, family resource centers are designed to empower families, improve the health and developmental growth of young children, and reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. These goals are achieved through strategies and activities to promote optimal family & child development and self-sufficiency. FRCs offer the community healthy environments that promote a nurturing relationship between parents and their children by offering education and personal support for families beginning with the antepartum period and continuing through the preschool and school years. FRCs provide welcoming, family-oriented community homes that encourage parents to stop in for companionship, peer discussion and interaction, and offer alternative play sites for children, access to education resources and communication with supportive, informed staff.
Parents As Leaders (PAL)
The primary target populations for the Family Resource Centers (PAL centers) are low-income families with children age 0-5, and families with special needs children of all ages. The composition of families using FRC programs is quite diverse ranging from traditional two-parent families to teen moms, or a grandparent/relative raising grandchildren or other family members children. Blended families, families of various ethic and cultural backgrounds, as well as extended families, all have dynamic and challenging needs. All families - despite household income - are likely to experience economic, physical and psycho-social challenges at one time or another during their care for children.
What the PAL centers offer...
- A fun place to interact with your children.
- Answers to questions about children and families.
- A place to talk with other parents and caregivers.
- Information about community services.
- A variety of classes and informational sessions.
- A lending library - Books, and videos.
- A Kid's Clothing Closet (free clothing). [1]
Further Information
For more information about the PAL Center(s), call (607) 771-6334 (Binghamton), (607) 334-8909 (Norwich) or email Linda Ruffo Director of Family Resource Centers.
[1] The Kid's Closet (Binghamton PAL) - Provides
free clothing for children, birth to five years of age. The closet
is open during center hours. Open to agencies when needed.
