Programs & Services

First Step Family Support Center

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

First Step Family Support Center has provided support and education services to thousands of local Clallam County families as part of the agency mission to promote the healthy development of children and families for over thirty years. In 2010, our staff of 29 dedicated professionals served 5012 primarily low-income adults and children. The purpose of the agency is to provide innovative and family-centered programs to meet the needs of parents and their children in a respectful and responsible manner. We believe that supporting parents is critical in our attempt to support young children; as parents are their child’s protectors, first teachers and emotional home.

2011 services

Infant Case Management – Monthly home visiting program for at-risk low-income parents with children 2 months to 1 year of age. Provides advocacy, linkages, information, and referrals.

Maternity Support Services - Community Health Nurse, Nutritionist, Social Worker, and Community Health Worker actively support low-income women to encourage healthy pregnancy and healthy birth outcomes. Services are provided from beginning of pregnancy through child's first 2 months.

Drop-In Centers - For families in Port Angeles & Sequim. Offers free clothing and equipment closet, information and referrals, a children’s play area, emergency diapers and formula, access to phones, computers, fax and copier, healthy snacks, and free children’s books.

Parent-Child Assistance Program - Home visiting program for mothers who abuse alcohol and/or drugs during pregnancy with intensive case management services.

Parents As Teachers Home Visiting Program - Home visiting program promoting healthy child development, problem solving skills, and healthy parent support networks for families with children 0 to 3 years of age.

Supported Parenting Program – Intensive home visiting program to help parents with cognitive limitations raise their children.

Readiness to Learn Program for children entering kindergarten and first grade - Family Support Workers bridge the gap between home and school by working with parents, teachers, and children.

Summer Food Service Program for Youth – Providing a nutritious lunch daily for children ages 0-18.

Parent Education Classes – “Baby & Me”, “Toddler & Me”, “Love & Logic”, and “Making Parenting a Pleasure” to name a few. Each session provides childcare on site, food, and transportation. Other parent education is provided by First Step at off-site locations such as homeless shelters and alternative schools.

Read First! –Engages families with young children by offering free services and interesting and fun reading activities. Each child goes home with a book and parents will learn about choosing great reading materials and how to incorporate reading (children and adult) into everyday home life.

First Books Program – Provides free new books to children to assist families in establishing their children’s own personal library and to promote family literacy.

Narcotics Anonymous Group - Uses the First Step facility two nights per week. First Step provides on-site childcare for these groups and healthy snacks and activities for their children.

Support Groups

2010 services

Infant Case Management -177 families served in 2010

Maternity Support Services - 448 families served in 2010

Drop-In Centers -6,014 visits provided in 2010

Parent-Child Assistance Program - 47 families served in 2010

Parents As Teachers Home Visiting Program - 49 families served in 2010

Supported Parenting Program – 4 families served in 2010

Readiness to Learn Program -555 families served in 2010

Post Partum Depression Support Group - 25 women served in 2010

Summer Food Service Program for Youth –7,013 lunches provided in 2010

Parenting Classes –398 class visits in 2010