The Family Services Program
The Family Services Program provides community-based child welfare services that use the Protective Factors Framework and Motivational Interviewing to strengthen families. Services in this program include family support, case management, information and referral, crisis intervention, housing support, parent education, and community capacity building. In addition, the monthly Parents Support Group and Parent Cafe provide safe spaces for parents’ support, growth & socialization.
The quarterly Family Enrichment Events are always a highlight for GAFSC families and staff. Sometimes held online, these events are for parents and children to interact and have fun together. Since families spend so much time just surviving, these fun events allow time for family members to be present in the moment and just enjoy each other. Events have included the annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party around the holidays, Online FAMILY BINGO, Family Game Night and an online Mad Science Party.
A favorite event this past spring was the Outing in the Park at the end of June 2022. It was the first large ‘in person’ event held with families as we emerged from isolation due to the pandemic. GAFSC partnered with the Far South East Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) to provide hot meals, pizza, as well as Narcan and prevention information about Opioid use for this successful activity. The University of Maryland’s Mommy/Baby Bus was available to provide free pre and post-natal visits for women and the Latin American Youth Center provided health information. The Show Up/Stand Out (SUSO) team helped organize group games and fun activities for the children while two District 4 police officers spent the afternoon throwing footballs and playing with the kids.
A fun time was had by all on a glorious sunny day.
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