Family Resource Center

The goal of our Family Resource Center is to strengthen and empower families by helping them meet primary needs, access community resources, build upon family strengths and improve family relations. To improve outcomes for both families and community, our Center brings together services that educate, develop skills and improve family relations. Our approach increases the capacity of families to be healthy, involved members of their community. Core funding was provided by the First 5 Commission, Santa Barbara County Human Services, California Wellness & United Way.

The FRC provides group support (parent education, on-going classes, peer support and group counseling) as well as individual support (resource & referral, assistance on forms, distribution of goods, individual counseling and case management) to families. Free child care is provided to participating families. Outside agencies use the FRC to provide services and programming to Isla Vista families to eliminate the need for transportation outside the area.

The Case Management and Counseling components provided intensive individualized support to families to help them achieve goals and improve quality of life. Other on-going services offered in the center included monthly health presentations offered by

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, ESL for community families in conjunction with Santa Barbara Public Library, a Family Literacy component and community outreach. Additionally, we provided on going parent education classes to help parents in the areas of discipline, communication and health and safety. Families also participated in regular Family Fun Nights that encouraged positive and developmentally appropriate activities between parents and children.

Family Resource Center Calendars

June 2006 Calendar (pdf format)