Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is pleased to be partnering again with Thrivent Financial to hold a ‘Give a Child a Book’ board book drive. Every new or gently used board book contributed will be shared with families participating in the Family Resource Center’s Home Visiting program. Thrivent member and Marlys Berrevoets is sponsoring the event and has received a grant to purchase $250 in new books as part of the project.
“Reading is so important,” said Marlys. “I’m pleased to support this book drive to help make sure moms and dads can start reading early with their young children.”
In 2018, over 1,000 books appropriate for infant, toddler and preschool age were contributed through the book drive, with support from numerous individuals, businesses, and community groups. Several community locations have been identified as donation drop-off sites for this year, including First National Community Bank in New Richmond, Hazel Mackin Community Library in Roberts, St. Croix Electric Cooperative in Hammond, Thrivent Financial – Joan Bartz in Glenwood City, and the Family Resource Center office in Baldwin. Donations are requested by the end of March. For additional information, please contact us at 715-684-4440 or info@frcscv.org.
Amanda enrolled in home visiting when her son Liam was about 9 months old. She was eager to learn about his developmental stages; an only child herself, she did not have much experience being around other children. When Liam was a toddler, he began to show some delays in gross and fine motor as well as communication and problem solving.
Amanda’s parent educator Robbyn gave her ideas of activities to do and referred her to the school district early childhood program. Robbyn also provided support with discipline and encouraged daily reading. “I was so frustrated, he would just run around when I read – I couldn’t even get through a page!” Amanda recalled. Robbyn reassured her to just keep reading, and he would come around.
At a recent home visit, Liam – now in 4K – squealed in delight when Robbyn brought a Dinosaur ABC book to the home; he was quick to point out which dinosaur on the cover was the friendly one. He rolled out green playdough (his favorite color) and picked up cookie cutters in the shape of letters, excitedly practicing all the letter sounds. Robbyn had joined the family for a recent meeting at school, and reported that his teacher said, “she has never seen a child go that far that fast!”
Liam continues with some speech therapy at school and is on track to start kindergarten in the fall. At the end of a recent screening for social and emotional development, Robbyn asked Amanda and her significant other what they enjoy most about Liam, to which they both immediately replied that he is kind. While his other developmental progress is something to be proud of, strong social emotional skills can perhaps be considered his greatest success.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropic organization dedicated to improving health in the United States, there is extensive scientific evidence showing that a child’s social-emotional skill development provides an essential foundation for social, behavioral and academic success in school. Home visitation is identified as an important strategy for increasing parental skills and responsiveness. Learn more at https://www.rwjf.org, keyword SEL (social emotional learning).
Chad and Heidi Fett have been active supporters of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley since Chad joined the Board of Directors in 2014. Chad is a Senior Vice President at First State Bank and Trust, and says he was motivated to be a part of the Family Resource Center because of the direct return on investment. “Education, energy and funding put into our children has both an immediate and long-term positive effect on our children and communities,” said Chad, who is in his sixth year of service on the board and served as Board President in 2018. He and his wife Heidi have participated in the annual Reach for the Stars gala as well as other special events and projects, including UWRF-Bowls for Hope and the expansion of the Baldwin office space.
“As the 2018 board president Chad was always there to lend guidance and support, said executive director Agnes Ring. “He brings thoughtfulness, humor, and a great appreciation for the parent educators on the front lines of our work. The building expansion project was a major undertaking last year. Chad rallied the board members to share in the hands-on labor of priming, painting, and laying out the ceiling. We are so lucky to have both Chad and Heidi as great ambassadors of our annual Reach for the Stars gala event!”
Heidi joined the Reach for the Stars gala planning committee in 2017 and has helped to plan raffles, arrange catering and generally do whatever is needed. “I am grateful for the creativity and perspective Heidi brings to the committee,” said Development & Communications Coordinator Kristin Thompson. “She has good ideas and is always game to try something new. I also appreciate her positivity and great sense of humor.”
Chad and Heidi both said they enjoy hearing first-hand from parent educators and as well as parents who have participated in programming. A recent success story that stands out for them is that of a grandparent who received home visits while providing temporary foster care for his granddaughter. His parent educator provided him with basic infant care information, education on use of baby equipment and supplies, and help understanding developmental stages and milestones. “The parent educators are heart of the organization,” said Chad.
Are you interested in volunteering? We can use both regular and occasional support with programming, fundraising, cleaning, preparing supplies and materials, and special projects. Call Kristin at 715-684-4440 to learn more.
On Friday February 15th, OEM Fabricators was honored by the Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association for their work supporting Early Childhood and Families. RoxAnne Forrest, who is a Program Assistant for the University Child Care Center at UW-Stevens Point presented the award and highlighted OEM’s work with the Family Friendly Workplace Certification Project and Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. In her comments while presenting the award, RoxAnne noted that the organization is encouraging other employers to follow OEM’s lead in supporting Early Childhood and Families.
Becky Helf, who serves as the Association’s President nominated OEM for the Award and in her nomination mentioned OEM’s participation in the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council where she also serves.
OEM’s president Mark Tyler accepted the award on behalf of OEM. He said that “There is no more important role for all of us than creating a foundation for success in our children.”
“We are grateful for Mark’s leadership in early childhood issues—both regionally and statewide,” said Family Resource Center Executive Director Agnes Ring. “Through directly supporting our work with families, OEM Fabricators is investing in improved outcomes for children and families today, which has an impact for generations to come.”
The Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association began in 1976 and their main motivation is the need for an organization to be committed to the promotion of excellence in child care administration.
The 12th annual Liquor Haus Wine Tasting will be held at the Phoenix Grill and Event Center on Thursday, February 7 from 5:30-9 p.m. The annual event was moved to the Phoenix in 2018 after being hosted for 10 years at the Historic Woodside Place. The number of wines available to be sampled will top 50 this year, and guests will enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres from the Phoenix.
“Donna Hayes does an amazing job bringing the community together for a great cause at the annual Liquor Haus wine tasting event,” said Agnes Ring, executive director of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. “We are honored to receive the support generated by community members and area businesses through this local night out!”
In addition to an exceptional spread of wine and food, there will be samples of American Yeoman Vodka from Perlick Distillery, located in Sorona, WI. Guests may also try Bon & Viv spiked seltzer, and craft cocktail samples such as the Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan from Minnesota-based Joia Spirit. An additional highlight is the opportunity to meet winemaker Matthew Rawn from Two Mountain Winery, located in Washington’s Yakima Valley.
Reservations are required by contacting Donna at 715-684-2578 or 715-684-4384 or stopping in at the Liquor Haus on Hwy 63 in Baldwin. Tickets are $50 with all proceeds benefiting Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, a nonprofit organization providing programs and services to families in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties.
Board president Chad Fett welcomed nearly 40 guests at the ‘reunion’ luncheon.
Current and former board and staff gathered recently to mark a milestone: Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley’s anniversary of forming as a nonprofit organization serving families in St. Croix County in 1998. Board President Chad Fett welcomed attendees to the ‘reunion’ luncheon and thanked past board presidents and executive directors for their leadership and dedication. Sharon Reyzer, long-time public health nurse and founding board member, shared stories about the early days – of mismatched furniture hauled in a borrowed horse trailer, no staff, and a $25,000 grant. Reyzer facilitated the first young parent group as a volunteer.
Fast forward 20 years to a staff of 12 and a recent office expansion, the Family Resource Center provides programming in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties, and is involved in statewide quality improvement initiatives for home visiting. The organization has received national recognition by Parents as Teachers for its innovative model of service delivery that includes strategic partnerships with health care organizations, social services, colleges and universities, and United Way St. Croix Valley.
Former executive director Patty Draxler and St. Croix Valley Foundation president Heather Logelin, who was a Family Resource Center board member from 2007-2013.
All three executive directors were present for the event – Tami McManus, who was hired as the first Family Resource Center director; Patty Draxler, who led the staff from 2003-2017, and Agnes Ring, who has served as director since May 2017. Agnes praised the wisdom of the organization’s founders in implementing an evidence-based program from year one, which continues to impact families early in their child’s lives. “The kids who were first here are now in their twenties,” she said. “Teen parents are now in their thirties.”
Founding board member Mary Sue Ash first joined the board while still employed in Pupil Services at Baldwin-Woodville School District. After her retirement, she became actively involved in building the Success By 6 initiatives in partnership with United Way St. Croix Valley. “The early years are the most important years of our life, and what we experience then often stays with us,” said Mary Sue. “Parent interaction builds a child’s brain connections. Parents are a child’s first teacher and have the most influence over kids.” Mary Sue thanked those in attendance for helping to create an organization that is valued, visible and vibrant. “Each of you, in your own way, has made that possible.”
When participant Kat and her family moved to St. Croix Falls, her husband Eric has just started a new job and their son Liam was 4 months old. A native of the United Kingdom, Kat had struggled with mental health prior to Liam’s birth, and complications during pregnancy and birth intensified her depression. Post-delivery, she felt isolated and unable to bond with her baby. “I didn’t love him,” said Kat. “I didn’t understand how a person couldn’t love her child.” She began counseling and medication and was referred to Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley for support with parenting and child development. During her first home visit, parent educator Robbyn began playing with Liam, and even though Kat resisted at first, Robbyn drew her in. “I warmed up,” she said. “Robbyn showed me how to begin bonding with him.”
After several home visits, Eric and Kat brought Liam to Baby & Me. Kat recounted meeting mom Dani and her daughter Sara; they began talking and realized their babies had the same birthday. “I realized later that it was the first time I had felt excited talking about him,” said Kat. At first, she didn’t want to share with other parents, but as she started to open up, Kat realized she had lost herself. “Participating in the group helped me to think positively,” said Kat. “I started wanting to do more things. Meeting other moms was key.”
When Liam and Sara turned a year, it was time to move on to Play & Learn. Kat was nervous about making the transition to a new group but having Dani there for support made all the difference. She said it also helps that the kids get along so well. “They’ve known each other since 5 months old, [so] they don’t know a time without each other.”
“I can safely say that I love him now,” Kat stated. “We’ve grown by leaps and bounds together.”
Mental illnesses are common in the United States, with tens of millions of people affected each year. Parents experiencing postpartum depression can feel extreme sadness, anxiety and exhaustion, which can make it difficult to care for an infant or care for themselves. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, contact your health care provider.
We look to 2019 with anticipation of the continued opportunity to strengthen children, families and communities in Polk, Pierce and St. Croix Counties. Why do we do this work? Because it makes a difference.
Research tells us that investment in early childhood pays dividends now and long into the future – not only to those families currently receiving support – but to society as a whole. Eighteen hundred babies are born annually to families in our service area. They will comprise our future student bodies, our future workforce and they will have families of their own and build communities of the future. Family Resource Center parent educators help foster healthy parent-child relationships and family well-being, monitor child development, promote school readiness, and connect families to resources.
Celebrating 20 Years
As 2018 comes to a close I reflect on the vision, leadership, and perseverance of those motivated individuals who founded the Family Resource Center 20 years ago. In 1997, a community needs assessment led by the St. Croix County Public Health Department identified high risk pregnancies and support of children among its top priorities. The work didn’t stop with identifying the needs. In one year’s time this group researched what was being done in other parts of the state, shared their findings at a community meeting, created a 501c3 Family Resource Center, established a board of directors, rented a site, and selected Parents as Teachers as the evidence-based home visiting model to guide its programming. This can-do attitude prevails to this day.
As an evidence-based program many things have changed over time, but what has not changed is the commitment, professionalism, and compassion of the employees, volunteers and public and private partners who make this important work possible. As a testament to their commitment, it is remarkable to note that three founding board members—Mary Lestrud, Sharon Reyzer, and Mary Sue Ash—have led the organization in the role of board president for 10 of the 20 years of the organization’s existence. Mary Sue assumes her third term as board president in 2019. To my predecessors, executive directors Tami McManus and Patty Draxler, thank you for building a strong brand of service, compassion and sustainability.
Looking to 2019
To our three departing board members, we extend our sincere appreciation. Thank you to Jack Pollitt, Cathy Shimon, and Larry Gee. You have made Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley stronger through your wisdom, talent and generosity. Thank you to outgoing board president Chad Fett for his positive, upbeat leadership and fun-loving spirit. We said goodbye this summer to parent educator Yazmin Alvarado-Soto. We thank her for her service and wish her well in her new endeavors. Welcome to our newest parent educator, Ashley Bruggeman, who joined our staff in September. And finally, we are excited to welcome new board members who will assume their roles in 2019: Warren Schneider, Barry Cain, and we welcome back Mark Tyler.
On behalf of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, we wish you all the best for 2019. Please do what you can to make a difference for children and families in our region!
Children and their parents enjoy painting at a recent Play & Learn class. (Photo credit: Ashley Bruggeman)
With autumn in the air, many parents have been sending children off to school on the bus each morning. Families with younger children are enjoying new routines as well, with the start of programs like Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley’s Play & Learn.
Play & Learn groups are available to families in nine locations across the St. Croix Valley. These classes provide an opportunity for toddlers and preschoolers to interact with their parents and other children their age. Parents can also discuss parenting strategies, dilemmas and everyday happenings with a parent educator and other parents going through similar situations. Groups are weekly, 90-minute classes facilitated by a Family Resource Center parent educator, and include guided play, a story and activities, and parent discussion on a different topic each week.
Participant Kim Tan first participated in Play & Learn when her oldest was a toddler. Now she attends with both of her children, ages 3 and almost 1. She enjoys the socialization opportunities for her children, and the chance to connect with other moms and dads – both receiving support with anything she may be struggling with or offering advice to others if she has gone through a similar situation. She says her family especially enjoys the messier crafts and sensory activities that she is less likely to take on at home, like moon sand or frozen paint.
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley strengthens children, families, and communities by offering education, resources, and support. The organization also offers weekly Baby & Me groups, a play and discussion hour for parents and their infants, in partnership with six area hospitals as part of United Way St. Croix Valley’s Success By 6 initiative. Home Visiting is another program that provides individualized parent support and education through twice monthly visits; parent educators provide age-appropriate child development information, parent-child play ideas, developmental screenings, and opportunities for parents to discuss parenting topics. Young Parent groups are available for any teen who is pregnant or parenting. Young moms and dads receive support from parent educators as well as their peers, and can receive high school credit through participation in activities, discussions and written assignments. Young parents can be referred to the program by their high school guidance counselors or county agencies, or they can sign up by contacting the Family Resource Center directly.
United Way and other community partners provide needed support for groups and classes. “We are proud to partner with health care organizations, social service agencies, school districts and libraries across our service area of Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties,” said Family Resource Center’s executive director Agnes Ring. “Support from United Way St. Croix Valley is pivotal to ensuring families have access to programs and services.” The organization has been a funded partner of United Way since 2005.
