|
 FNC
convenes groups of parents, child care providers, health care workers,
and others to develop a shared vision for supporting families in
their neighborhood. Then we work together to make that vision a
reality. Building on existing resources and filling gaps, groups
may organize Nurturing Programs
and support groups, family fun activities, Welcome Baby visits,
play groups, parent workshops, and other family support activities
that break isolation, teach new skills, and give families places
to go to have fun and enjoy each other. We also work with our neighborhood
partners to establish Parent Resource Centers and Play Spaces and
link families to needed formal services like quality child care,
health care, on-going home visiting, literacy programs, job training,
and other needed resources. Like the children and families they
serve, every neighborhood's circle of caring develops in its own
special way and looks different depending on its unique culture,
resources, and needs.
 Although
a family may come into this circle at any point, theoretically the
service system starts with Prenatal Nurturing Programs, available
to anyone who wishes to enroll. Then a Welcome Baby Visit celebrates
the birth, helps link families to education and services they need,
and invites them to learn more and connect with other parents through
play groups, Nurturing Our Babies (infant-toddler Nurturing Program),
and ongoing support groups. Other easily accessible Nurturing Programs
are available throughout the family's development, and as special
needs arise, to help prevent problems that tear families apart and
destroy the hope each new baby brings to our community.
******
 FNC
works with Boston neighborhood partners to provide training and
mentoring in the development of neighborhood based "circles
of caring" to support families with young children. These "circles
of caring" vary by neighborhood and are based upon the resources
and needs of each particular community.
The Family Nurturing Center has been working in the Roslindale
neighborhood since 1994 and in Allston-Brighton and Dorchester since
1997. Each of these three neighborhoods has various strengths and
areas of need, but they all share the vibrant ethnic and cultural
diversity that makes Boston such a rich city. Families in each of
these neighborhoods have various levels of education and job training,
and some have extended family members who are nearby while others
haven't seen extended family in years. But together, the families
in these neighborhoods are doing the best they can to keep their
children safe and to raise them to be productive members of our
City.
FNC works with these families - regardless of their language, education,
race, ethnic background, age, gender and economic status - and other
organizations in these neighborhoods to build strong family support
and strengthening programs.
Although each "Circle of Caring" varies by neighborhood,
the list of core ingredients includes: Nurturing Programs, Welcome
Baby home visits, parent leadership trainings, family fun events,
fathers' programs, parent support groups, infant massage classes,
adult/child playgroups, adult education and support, community building
activities, job training support, parent resource centers, and advocacy
support.
 Welcome
Baby Home Visitation Literacy Promotion:
a celebratory, voluntary home visit to families with newborns
in Dorchester, Roslindale, and Allston-Brighton. Trained home
visitors deliver a beautiful gift basket with books, safety items,
and other items and share valuable community resources and information.
Parent Support Groups:
FNC coordinates Nurturing Circles, an on-going parent support
group for parents on a drop-in, voluntary basis. Child care and
dinner are provided.
Infant Massage classes:
FNC's licensed massage therapist provides classes for neighborhood
families on the benefits of massage and the techniques used with
babies.
Playgroups:
adult/child gatherings that encourage parents to meet other parents
and allow children to participate in various learning activities
that promote healthy child development.
Community Building Events:
FNC staff and student interns coordinate frequent community events
that support Welcome Baby or another program that also builds
team or neighborhood connection. This is a great way to Get
Involved.
Parent Resource Centers:
trained staff from the neighborhoods in which they work provide
on-going advocacy for families to address housing, school, employment,
health, and other family issues.
|
