Winston-Salem, NC – August 22, 2024 – Smart Start of Forsyth County (S.S.F.C.), a dedicated partner in the Smart Start network, is proud to announce the launch of the S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, and Resources) Family Resource Center. This initiative is designed to provide essential support, education, and resources to families with preschool-aged children, particularly those in underserved and marginalized communities.
The S.T.A.R. Family Resource Center aims to enhance parenting skills, promote healthy child development, and prevent child abuse by offering a multi-generational, family-centered approach. The center will provide various services, including parent education, skill classes, group sessions, advocacy, and health information. These services are designed to build strong parent-child relationships and create supportive environments that contribute to families’ overall well-being and stability.
Key Features of the S.T.A.R. Family Resource Center:
Parent Support Groups: Focused on child development, age-appropriate expectations, and positive discipline, these groups will empower parents with practical strategies to encourage healthy behavior and emotional growth.
Resource Distribution: Information on child development milestones will be distributed to educate parents and build a supportive community.
Support for High-Risk Families: Special attention will be given to families facing challenges such as low income, limited access to childcare scholarships, essential items, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Community Hub: The center will connect families with community-based resources, foster community and parent leadership, and support healthy marital and couple relationships.
S.S.F.C. has been committed to advancing equity and quality in early care and education for over 30 years. This new initiative will build upon programs like the Diaper Bank, childcare vouchers, and family engagement resources to better serve the community’s diverse needs.
Partnerships and Community Engagement: S.S.F.C. will collaborate with the Positive Childhood Alliance—North Carolina to ensure the effective implementation of family-strengthening activities. The organization will also participate in community practice sessions to foster collaboration, assess quality improvement, and exchange innovative ideas.
Public Awareness Campaigns: As part of its commitment to public awareness, S.S.F.C. will engage in campaigns during Family Support Awareness Month, The Week of the Young Child, and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. These efforts aim to promote culturally appropriate practices and share valuable information with the community.
About Smart Start of Forsyth County: Smart Start of Forsyth County is a registered 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment for families in marginalized communities. Through culturally competent programs and comprehensive support services, S.S.F.C. strives to foster positive outcomes for children, parents, and families, ensuring every child can thrive from an early age.
For more information, please contact: Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc. 7820 North Point Boulevard, Suite 200 Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Office: 336.725.6011 Email: [email protected] Website: SmartStart-FC.org
