It’s a lovely time of year with a riot of spring color and mostly sunshine — welcome spring!
The South Whidbey Family Resource Center is a partnership between Readiness To Learn Foundation, South Whidbey School District, local families and community organizations. Those who visit the center during its walk-in hours, Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., will be greeted by someone who is knowledgeable about community and school services.
Their goal is to help families with children access resources and obtain help, based on their individual interests and needs.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the coffee pot is on. They look forward to seeing you.
Services
DSHS outreach: Save yourself a trip to Oak Harbor. An outreach worker from the Department of Social and Health Services is in the center most Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions, review for eligibility on food, medical and cash benefits, and assist with the application process. Call 360-221-0484 to set up an appointment time in the Family Resource Center. Drop-ins are also welcome.
Families In Transition: Life doesn’t always go the way you plan. When the unexpected happens the FRC is here to help. Being temporarily homeless happens to many families. Often it means staying with friends until a deposit is saved for another rental, staying in a motel or living in their car for a few days. If this sounds like you or someone you know and help is needed connecting to basic resources or helping your child to stay in school, call 360-221-0484.
While experiencing homelessness, students have the right to stay in school, become immediately enrolled in a new school without initial documents and receive school meals and transportation to school. Children and youths in transition have equal educational rights of housed children. For more information and to reach the South Whidbey School District’s homeless liaison, call Marilynn Norby at 360-221-6808 ext. 4602.
Family education classes: Are you feeling challenged by your child’s behaviors? Join the FLC’s six-week course that helps parents understand the real goals behind their child’s behaviors. “Positive discipline” offers long-term parenting skills that will encourage your children to think for themselves and become more responsible. Classes meet Mondays, April 15 to May 20. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., Class 6 to 8 p.m., at the Family Resource Center.
Dinner and childcare included upon request. This program is free for parents; space is limited, so contact Lauri Johnson at the Family Resource Center by calling 360-221-0484, or 360-221-6808 ext. 4322 for more information and to reserve your spot.
Support Groups
RAPP: Relatives As Parents Program. Are you raising a relative’s child? Is the child your grandchild, niece or nephew? Would you like to join an informal group of relative caregivers who understand what you are going through? You are invited to attend a RAPP meeting once a month. Drop-ins are welcome. Bring a guest. For more information or to sign up, call Lauri Johnson at 360-221-0484.
Single Mom’s Group: “Feeling isolated? Just want a night out? Would you enjoy someone to talk to confidentially, who, like yourself, is you are? Want to know what community resources you can access?” This group is open to any mom who is parenting alone, or feels alone, and needs the support of other single moms. Join this great group in a casual and confidential atmosphere once a month from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join us for a complimentary dinner, potluck style and free childcare, which is available upon request in advance.
To RSVP with childcare, call 360-221-0484.
Parents of Children with Special Needs Group: All parents and caregivers of children with special needs, of any age, are welcome to join this monthly support group. Lend support or get support, and relax with other parents who share the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs. Meetings take place in the Family Resource Center the second Friday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Childcare is provided upon advance request. Call 360-221-0484 to RSVP and for more information. 
Volunteers: Erin Wilkie is FRC’s current volunteer of the month! As a mother of six, five of whom she teaches at home, Erin is busy but still found time to help with Readiness To Learn Foundation Holiday House project. More recently, she offered her time and talents to help kick start the spring Family Resource Center spruce up. While she used her great eye for detail to freshen up the flow of the FRC, her children made sure all the books, toys and art supplies were kid-tested and approved for fun. Wilkie’s organizational skills, vivacious personality and flexibility make her a joy to work with.
To volunteer; Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Family Resource Center may drop by Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers are the heart of the Family Resource Center. providing countless hours of support. Join the team in a fun and flexible atmosphere.
Contact information: South Whidbey Family Resource Center: 5476 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA. 98260, P.O. Box 280. Call 360-221-0484.
