What is a Family Resource Center?
Alternative Family Resources (AFS) is now part of the California Family Resource Association (CFRA), as part of our wider goal and aspiration to be a full-service Family Resource Center. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a Family Resource Center (FRC) is and how it works.
Alternative Family Resources (AFS) is now part of the California Family Resource Association (CFRA), as part of our wider goal and aspiration to be a full-service Family Resource Center.
What is an FRC?
A Family Resource Center, or FRC, is an organization that provides a wide variety of support to families in need. Typically, these services are provided from a central hub, like an office setting. As First 5 California states, “Family Resource Centers are local community centers that support parents and families.”
How Family Resource Centers Work
In some cases, families may be referred to an FRC, while in others, they may seek out the support and assistance of an FRC on their initiative.
Different FRCs may offer different services and supports, depending on available resources and the community’s needs. As an example, here’s what is offered at FRCs in San Francisco:
- Food and diaper banks
- Workshops and classes on nutrition, pregnancy, stress, personal finance, and stress management.
- Parent education programs
- Support groups and playgroups
- Case management and individual family advocacy
- Events for families and the wider community, including cultural festivities
- Developmental screenings, plus referrals for legal services, child care, housing support, and more.
As the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood notes, “FRCs are safe places for families to come together. FRCs improve parents’ skills. They teach parents about child development. They help families find resources. FRCs also host fun activities for parents and kids. They help families form strong parent-child relationships. They help parents find social support. Family Resource Centers are for everyone.”
Benefits of Family Resource Centers
FRCs provide helpful and necessary support and services, often from one central location. By making it easier for families to gain the help they need from one source, no matter their needs, FRCs give families the tools and assistance they need to thrive. FRCs highlight the benefit of preventative services, providing early help to prevent more issues.
According to the Family Resource Centers Network of California, over 1,000 people have already taken advantage of the resources offered by FRCs. By joining the CFRA, AFS is honored to extend these benefits to even more families through the Bay Area and the greater Sacramento area.
