Kent County-Encouraging Family Foundations (EFF), a program of the Child and Family Resource Council, begins again in January 2007! The program is scheduled to hold 33 series at four locations on varying days and times!

Eligibility:

Kent County resident, who is a:

• single parent (mother or father of a child newborn-two years of age)
• partner or support person of a single parent who will be contributing significantly to the raising of that child, or
• pregnant parent who is single and would like to attend prior to birth

Participant Fees:

There are NO Fees! EFF is a FREE program for eligible participants.

Program Structure:

Kent County EFF is a partnership with numerous secular private non-profits and faith-based organizations, making this program unique. The Child and Family Resource Council supports a mission of shaping a community that protects children from abuse and neglect and is the single coordinator to oversee all aspects of EFF. There are four (4) EFF Service Sites and seven (7) EFF Content Providers.

Program Design:

This program, totaling 24 hours over a six week period, is designed to provide parenting and life-skills classes to unmarried parents of children 0-2 in Kent County. Through these classes, participants develop the skills necessary to develop healthy relationships and receive information about additional community resources. They will also be invited to participate in structured parenting mediation services, family events, educational programming, and additional support services. Each EFF Service Site provides free transportation to and from class if needed, on-site childcare, meals during class, and incentives for both Spanish and English speaking families. The program brings “Parenting Tools” to the participants through community speakers, resources, handouts, videos, and much more!! Click on this direct link, http://www.childresource.cc/eff.php, for more details on the EFF Program, including an EFF series topical overview, support materials, and more!

Registration:

Register or refer eligible clients to the EFF Program one of three ways:

• Call the Child and Family Resource Council at 616-454-4673 and ask about the program
• Visit our website, www.childresource.cc, or click on the direct link, http://www.childresource.cc/eff-app.php, to sign them up right now!
• Mail a completed EFF Brochure Registration Card to the CFRC

Requesting EFF Brochures:

Please email Sara Stachon, Early Childhood Assistant, at sstachon@childresource.cc to request EFF Brochures, including the desired quantity and delivery or mailing details.

Funding:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Service:

• Healthy Marriage #6
• CCF Targeted Capacity Building Program-Marriage
• Special Improvement Project

Morgan Stanley

FIA: State of Michigan

• Encouraging Family Foundations