At Family Development Center we are dedicated to children, to families and to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Who We Serve
Most of the families we work with at FDC are living in crisis with a host of issues or "stressors" that, together, create such toxic stress that they can't function healthfully. Families may be homeless, unemployed, or not generating enough money to put food on the table consistently. They may be struggling with mental illness or substance dependence - often both. Some parents in our program are victims of domestic violence, or survivors of past physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Within our first few interactions with a family, we assess how many stressors a family is dealing with. The average is 26. Some are as high as 37.
We connect with vulnerable local families through word of mouth, referrals from social workers, law enforcement, doctors, partnering agencies but mostly, by self referral - because they want the best for their children. Our programs are completely voluntary- meaning parents choose to be here, that's pretty powerful motivation.
How We Help
We build strong, lasting relationships with families by supporting them in many ways, helping parents to create a safe and healthy environment for their children. Families enrolled in our programs can receive:
- Basic needs support (food boxes, diapers and clothing)
- Crisis intervention
- Parent education classes and support groups
- Mental health therapy (for adults and families)
- Play therapy for children
- Home visits (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly)
- Community resource and referral
- Transportation to classes
