Family Support Center

Our goal is to provide

the families we serve

with the knowledge,

education and confidence

needed to

successfully parent.

Helping them to build

a strong support system

and cope with

life's daily struggles,

are also emphasized.

Staff is available

to act as a sounding board,

to offer advice and guidance

and to direct parents

to other

appropriate resources.

 

Drop-In Center

The Drop-In Center provides parents with respite.

A place where they can come with their children

to socialize with other parents, talk with staff,

receive information and referrals, use the client telephone, or browse in our donations room

where there is an abundance of adult and children’s clothing, toys, books, baby equipment

and household goods.

                    

        Open Kitchen                       Donation Room

 

Playroom

While parents are engaged in support center activities, their children

can enjoy the playroom.

A staff person, with a background in early childhood education is on hand to provide developmentally appropriate activities,

which stimulate the learning

and creative potential of the children.

The child care staff person

will also assist parents

with appropriate behavior

management techniques

when needed.

Playroom

 

Educational Classes/Support Group

Classes are offered at various times

during the day

in an effort to meet the scheduling needs of the clients. Most classes are typically part of a 6-8 week series. Curriculum materials are utilized which cover such areas as child development, parenting styles, behavior management, communication,

health, safety and nutrition.

 

Emergency Needs Assistance
We receive grants to purchase

new baby equipment, formula and diapers

that are distributed

on an emergency basis

for those clients experiencing economic crisis. Unfortunately, due to safety considerations

we cannot accept or distribute used car seats.

 

Family Enrichment Services (FES)

Home based parenting education for families

in which children are at risk

of abuse or neglect.

Family Enrichment Specialists

spend a minimum

of 2 hours face to face per week

for 4-6 months

to teach, model, and coach families

in order to reduce the risk

for abuse and/or neglect.

Family Enrichment Specialists

will help families understand reasonable expectations for their child

based upon age and developmental level;

show ways to engage children

in activities that increase and enhance bonding and attachment; identify and prioritize family needs;

navigate and utilize community resources;

establish structure and daily routines

for their children; establish appropriate boundaries and discipline;

and work on creating a family budget.

240 Main Street,

Norwich, Connecticut

(860) 886-6600

Fax: (860) 892-5411

email: madonna.place@snet.net

Playgroups/Crafts/Activities

Playgroups are offered for infants 0-18 months,

another for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

(See Classes/Groups link.

Crafts are offered once a month

for children and again for moms.

Activities such as:

Wii Day, Movie Day,

Family Game Day, and Mad Science!!