One of my duties is to serve as a
Commissioner on First 5 Siskiyou, also known as the Children and Families or Prop.
Commission. http://ccfc.ca.gov/siskiyou/ Its
primary focus is on development of children from birth to age five. Its purpose is to
ensure that every child in the county enters school healthy and ready to learn. The commission and its programs are funded by a 50 cents per
pack tax on cigarettes.
To accomplish its goals, First 5 has been instrumental in the
establishment of community teams to create Family Resource Centers (FRCs) throughout the
county. The teams are at various stages of
development. All ten of the teams are now working together in a countywide network to
share ideas and resources. Last week, the various teams gave their mid-year reports to
First 5.
Emily Warn of the Kid’s Factory in Dunsmuir reported that they
plan to be moving to a new building. They are open six days a week and offer: playgroups,
nutritional information; car seat training; book giveaways; parenting education; support
groups; anger management; family game nights; children’s arts and crafts; summer camp
program; internet access for court forms and job searches;
and resource referral services.
The Yreka FRC operates in conjunction with the “New to You”
store. Michelle O’Gorman reported that the Yreka FRC is open five days a week. Their
activities include: Family Night Out; lending library and computer lab; parenting classes;
parent support groups; anger management; parenting kits; car seat safety classes;
assistance with Healthy Families (Insurance) registration; English as a second language
classes; individualized services based on parenting needs and child development. The Yreka
FRC also offers recreational classes such as Karate.
Karen Derry reported that the Happy Camp FRC has just settled into
its new building across from the statue of Bigfoot. With its county and non-profit agency
partners, the FRC offers: parent education classes; child development activities; support
groups; anger management and life skills classes; substance abuse services; Family Nights;
playgroups; car seat training; new parent kits; exercise and gymnastics classes; emergency
assistance; art therapy; job connection; and case management Happy Camp FRC is also open for youth after school
activities.
There is a new Director at Scott Valley FOCUS in Fort Jones and
office hours will be more regular. FOCUS offers: playgroups; parenting classes; infant
massage; business classes in conjunction with JEDI (Jefferson Economic Development
Institute); parenting kits; and a monthly newsletter. FOCUS provides resource
referral services and works in collaboration with both the library and the Even Start
program. With its new Director, FOCUS plans on offering recreational and life skills
classes – including cooking, house keeping and basic home and auto repair classes.
The Rotary has just donated several beautiful computers and classes will begin in the next
few weeks.
Nancy Duff reported that the HUB is working with the City of Montague
on a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) for a building with space for the FRC. The
HUB has developed an extensive literacy program and provides story time to children in
homes and at day care. It has been working with Michelle O’Gorman and the Yreka FRC
to expand the types of service offered and to look at establishing satellite programs in
areas such as Hornbrook and Grenada.
Dawn Snure of the McCloud FRC reported on their community-wide effort
to provide a pre-school program. They are open five days a week and have recently moved to
a new facility in the Mercantile Building. The McCloud FRC provides literacy activities;
parenting education; story time for toddlers; Healthy Families application assistance;
book giveaways; arts and crafts; summer fun program; a newsletter; parenting kits; Family Fun Night; car seat safety
classes; after school tutoring; and resource
referral services.
Anna Porter of the Tulelake/Newell FRC reported that their team
coordinates parenting services; bilingual Healthy Families outreach; car seat safety
classes; playgroups; parenting kits; health fair; and nutrition education. The opening of
the Tule Tots Child Development Center is planned for February.
Susun Cooper is the new Director of the Butte Valley FRC. Their focus
is on a pilot school readiness project with Butte Valley School. Once established, it will
be extended countywide. Programs include: medical and dental health services; early
childhood development; literacy; improved infant-toddler care; home visits; and
professional development opportunities.
Jodi Ede of the Weed Community Resource Center reported that they are
just finishing preparing a building at the Elementary School for their initial FRC site.
The Mount Shasta Team has been working with its partners to prepare
to launch a local FRC. Space has been located.
I invite you to get involved in your local FRC. Volunteers are needed
in many capacities. Eventually, the FRCs will provide a broad scope of services and
activities for all ages in our communities. |
