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Family Resource Connections
Families are invited to visit a Family Resource Connections (FRC) event to connect with community and county resources, get referrals to services, learn about events that support families, and get assistance completing applications and paperwork. All our services are free and confidential. Download printable flyer (PDF).
Upcoming Events Featuring the Family Resource Connections (FRC)
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 10 | FRC at the Library | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | R.H. Stafford (Entryway) |
| March 12 | FRC at the Library | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Oakdale Library (Entryway) |
| March 19 | Family Advisory Board Meeting | 5 - 6:30 p.m. | Meeting to be held virtually |
| March 24 | FRC at the Library | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | R.H. Stafford (Entryway) |
| March 26 | FRC at the Library | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Oakdale Library (Entryway) |
Family Advisory Board Meeting Packet
The FAB publishes electronic agendas and meeting materials.
View most recent meeting packet (PDF). | View all past meeting packets.
Join the Family Advisory Board (FAB)
The Family Advisory Board is an opportunity for Washington County parents to use their voices and lived experiences to guide the Family Resource Center. The FAB helps shape how programming and support are offered to area families.
FAB members can expect to:
- Develop leadership, communication skills, and gain valuable board experience.
- Build community with other involved families.
- Learn more about supports and resources available to area families.
- Receive per diem, a meal, and child care assistance for attending meetings.
FAB member requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older and a Washington County resident.
- Be engaged and provide insight from your lived experience as a parent, guardian, or caregiver.
- Be available to attend one meeting per month.
- Be respectful of and value the lived experiences and opinions of others.
- Commit to a two-year term, if selected.
Interested in joining the Family Advisory Board?Fill out a Family Advisory Board application.
Community Needs Assessment
In 2023, Washington County Community Services conducted a Community Needs Assessment (PDF) to assess the feasibility of the Family Resource Center (FRC) model and evaluate its potential to meet the needs of families in Washington County. The study gathered feedback from Washington County residents, county staff, and community-based service providers to identify community strengths and available resources, as well as gaps in services. The report found there are many strengths in the services and support available to area families, however, there are also gaps that need to be filled. The report showed that many families in the county could benefit from the support of a FRC.
The Family Resource Connections uses the Strengthening Families Framework to improve outcomes for children and families by offering supports that increase family strengths. Through collaboration with community partners, local service providers and area families, the goal is to strengthen families, enhance child development and decrease involvement with the child welfare system. Activities like connecting families to resources, parental education, child development activities and community connection opportunities enhance the five key Protective Factors:
- Parental Resilience—The ability of parents to manage stress and function when faced with challenges, adversity, and trauma.
- Social connections—Social networks provide support, help solve problems and offer concrete assistance to other families.
- Concrete supports in times of need—Meeting a family’s basic needs (food, clothing, shelter and health care) are necessary for a family to thrive.
- Knowledge of parenting and child development—Accurate information of child development and appropriate expectations at every age helps parents’ understanding of appropriate behavior and promotes healthy child development.
- Social emotional competence of children—A parents positive response to the needs of the child creates an environment of safety and impacts the child’s ability to interact positively with others, self-regulate behavior and effectively communicate feelings.
The Strengthening Families Framework and Five Protective Factors is used in nationally in programs that support family to improve outcomes for children.
Contact Us
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Family Resource Connections
Phone: 651-430-6455
Toll-free: 1-844-711-1907
Email: StaffInterpreter service is available
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.