Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, a regional nonprofit with a 21-year history of serving children and families, seeks a dynamic team player to fulfill the role of Parent Educator.
The successful candidate will work with families prenatally to kindergarten, providing evidence-based programming through personal home visits including virtual (phone and video) and facilitating group interactions as well as providing community outreach. Family Resource Center provides parent education and resource referral in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties.
This full-time position includes significant travel in the three-county area. Occasional evening and weekend commitments.
Bachelor’s degree required in Social Services; Human Development and Family Studies; Early Childhood, or related field. Spanish speaking a plus. Experience preferred. Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and car insurance required. Paid home-visiting and related parent education certification training provided. Travel cost is reimbursed.
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is an equal opportunity employer. Competitive compensation package includes flexible schedule; retirement contribution; HRA; Flex Plan; Short-term and Long-term Disability. Send cover letter and resume via email to Executive Director, executivedirector@frcscv.org. IncludeParent Educator Position 2020in subject line.
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley held a book drive this spring, collecting 965 new and gently used books for area families participating in their Home Visiting program. Donations were received from many individuals, businesses and community groups, and new books were purchased with support from Thrivent Financial. Bethel Highlands delivered 496 books. Thanks to our generous communities for helping to make the book drive a success!
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley participated in St. Croix County’s ‘Hands Across the Courthouse’ held as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month and Victims of Crime Awareness week.
We are proud to partner with county service agencies and other nonprofits as we work to strengthen children, families, and communities by offering education, resources, and support!
The emergence of summer brings new energy to our staff and to our programs.
In May we added a new evidence-based program to our service offering. Triple P —Positive Parenting Program. The Level 3 Primary Care program component of Triple P offers parents a brief and private way to get guidance on specific behavior concerns. In addition to one-on-one sessions with a parent educator, the program includes tip sheets for parents, focused on strategies to address the problem behavior. For now, the program is limited in scope. We will report back on the future for Triple P after evaluating our pilot program, which is sponsored by St. Croix County.
As we implement new offerings we continue to monitor performance and enhance the quality of our existing evidence-based programs. 2018 marked the twentieth year the Family Resource Center has offered an evidence-based home visiting model called Parents as Teachers. Recently I met with directors of other longstanding Wisconsin home visiting programs and state home visiting leaders to review the findings and discuss implications of a national report on the effectiveness of evidence-based home visiting programs. (See the MIHOPE Study at: https://www.mdrc.org/sites/default/files/MIHOPE_Impact_Report-Final2.0.pdf).
The report finds significant benefits for home visiting families including improved quality of the home environment, decreased household aggression, fewer hospital emergency visits, and fewer child behavior problems. Our discussion group stressed that key to successful programs is attracting and retaining skilled parent educator professionals and supporting them by investing in reflective supervision and high-quality professional development. Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is fortunate to have a professional, dedicated, and compassionate staff committed to strengthening children and families.
Talking about skilled parent educators, we are delighted to introduce two new members of our team. Devin Chladek and Erin Knegendorf had several weeks of shadowing certified parent educators before attending the Parents as Teachers model training and becoming certified in May. Welcome Devin and Erin!
This month we send a fond farewell to Development and Communications Coordinator Kristin Thompson, who has served the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley since 2012.
Kristin has led the organization’s donor relations and fundraising efforts—including the Reach for the Stars annual gala, served as the editor of Family Matters newsletter, and led numerous Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley initiatives.
We appreciate all of Kristin’s contributions and wish her all the best as she embarks on her new career as Advancement Director at Landmark Conservancy.
Supporters raised $49,000 for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley at the 14th annual Reach for the Stars event. The funds raised support the organization’s mission to strengthen children, families and communities through education, resources and support in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties. The Reach for Stars gala is held in April every year to mark Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
More than 200 supporters donned flannel attire in the spirit of the Flannel Up for Families theme at the April 12 event held at Camp St. Croix in Hudson. The evening’s entertainment was donated by Baldwin-area band Crabgrass.
Young Mothers Share their Parenting Journeys
Featured speakers at the event included two parents who participate in Family Resource Center’s evidence-based home visiting program.
“We are inspired by courage and commitment demonstrated by Tianna and Madison, two moms who described their parenting journeys to the Reach for the Stars crowd,” said Executive Director Agnes Ring. “Their resilience and their demonstrated commitment to parenting and personal growth has strengthened their own families. We also know that we, as a community, are stronger for their parenting.”
Tianna of New Richmond shared that she learned of Family Resource Center programs at the age of 15, when she was a high school student in Osceola. She participated in the Young Parent group and continues with twice monthly home visits with her daughter Ava, now age 3. “My parent educator has never judged me or made me feel as if I was doing something wrong,” said Tianna. “This program has given me confidence. They believed in me. The Young Parent program has made this journey easier, one visit at a time.”
Madison of Hudson enrolled in home visits with the Family Resource Center initially as part of the Parenting Forward program sponsored by St. Croix County Treatment Court. She said she received helpful information regarding child development. She expressed appreciation for the support she received in achieving numerous goals. “My family and I are forever grateful for the everlasting support and friendship that flows through this program,” she said in closing. “To all of the people who make this possible, I thank you! You have made a difference in my life and for that I am grateful!”
Sharon Reyzer Honored with the Couglin Volunteer Award
The Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley Board of Directors recognized Sharon Reyzer for her leadership, dedication and service. The John M. Coughlin Volunteer Award honors the memory of Coughlin’s extraordinary leadership, dedication and commitment to the well-being of children and families in the region, as well as his vision to create a comprehensive early childhood system through United Way St. Croix Valley and Success By 6 initiatives.
Board President Mary Sue Ash of Hudson presented the 2019 award to Reyzer, who was a founding board member of the Family Resource Center in 1998.
“Sharon provided quiet, persistent leadership in the early years of the organization and has continued to be a champion for the Family Resource Center through her role as Public Health Supervisor/WIC Director at St. Croix County Public Health,” said Ash. “She has a passion for improving and supporting the lives of others, especially parents of young children.”
Community Support is Key
Board member Mark Tyler, of Woodville, told the crowd that the investment in early childhood pays dividends many times over.
Ring expressed appreciation to all the people who contributed to the success of the fund raiser. “The generous financial support provided by local businesses, individual donors, and community leaders at this event – and throughout the year – reflects a caring community,” said Ring. “As a community we must work together to strengthen children and families. The number of children being removed from their homes in our three counties is staggering. There is no single agency—no government entity or nonprofit organization that owns the problem alone or that can solve the problem alone.”
Funds raised at the event help fund Family Resource Center’s parent-child groups and home visits in its three-county service area.
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, a regional nonprofit with a 20-year history of serving children and families, seeks a dynamic team player to fulfill the role of Development and Communications Coordinator.
This full-time professional position reports directly to the Executive Director, working closely to meet development goals and manage donor relations. Position responsible for fundraising, including major donor cultivation, special events, planned giving, and database management. Communication responsibilities include preparation and editing of external/internal communications, management of website content, social media, quarterly newsletter and annual report. Bachelor’s degree in related field and 3-5 years of progressive fund development achievement required.
This position includes travel in the three-county area. Occasional evening and weekend commitments. Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is an equal opportunity employer. Competitive compensation package includes flexible schedule; 403(b) contribution; HRA; Flex Plan; Short-term Disability.
Send cover letter and resume via email to executivedirector@frcscv.org. Include Development and Communications Position in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled.
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.”
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!
Susan Hodnefield always knew she wanted to work with children and families. She earned both a bachelor’s in social work and associate degree in criminal justice, and her career has spanned experiences with people with developmental disabilities and special education, as well as pregnancy counseling and adoption services. Susan joined the staff of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley as a Parent Educator in 2012 and enjoys helping parents find resources and achieve their goals through the Home Visiting program. She also works closely with participants in the Young Parent group, creating a safe space for them to find support from others in similar situations.
Susan is aware of the importance of self-care and reminds moms and dads to meet their own needs in order to be able to provide the best care of their children. She believes it is important that participants know that any personal information they share will be treated as confidential and that they will not be judged. Susan says that clients often open up about struggles with mental health; she helps them to recognize their resilience and see how far they’ve come. “I have had the privilege of joining Susan during a number of visits with families,” said Development & Communications Coordinator Kristin Thompson. “She has a gift for noticing people’s strengths and is always generous with her praise. I appreciate the positive outlook she brings to any situation.”
Susan took on the position of Parent Educator Lead in 2016. She also serves as the leader of the Family Resource Center’s Continuous Quality Improvement Team, where she engages with other home visiting agencies around the state to identify and test strategies for improving outcomes for the families we serve. “Susan is a team player who leads by example,” said Executive Director Agnes Ring. “She is passionate about her work with families and is committed to developing our home visiting team to be the best they can be. Her strong work ethic is balanced with a sense of humor.”
She brings the values of open communication and self-care to her role as a manager as well. “The one thing I have always appreciated is the open-door policy that is given to me, and I offer that to the staff I supervise — to reach me if they need anything,” Susan said. “I feel we have a great team of people working together to support the mission of the Family Resource Center, and I know that if I ever need support or assistance I can count on anyone for their assistance and not be judged. I have enjoyed the creativity on our team and flexibility we have in our organization!”
As a new single mom (my Parent Educator) helped me through colic, going back to work, legal stress, money stress, baby daddy stress…. not only does she help me understand and encourage my child’s development by giving me information and new activities and checking his milestones, she has been an integral part of keeping my sanity.
–2018 Home Visiting Participant
As an evidence-based program we are resolute about implementing best practices, evaluating outcomes, and getting feedback on our services. It is inspiring to me to read evaluations from our participants—and see the connection to our mission to strengthen children, families and communities through education, resources, and support. In this issue we highlight the experience of one inspiring parent who participates in our home visiting program.
It has been one year since I assumed the role of executive director. I continue to be motivated by the dedication, commitment, and professionalism of the Family Resource Center board and staff. I am humbled by the generosity of time, talent, and treasure donated by individuals and businesses in the community. Good work is being done to build strong families by many partner agencies and organizations in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties. One example of the commitment of our supporters is the great turnout for the April 15 Reach for the Stars gala—despite a relentless snowstorm! Thank you all.
We welcome three new board members to the table this month—Mary Van Galen, Associate of the Chancellor at UW – River Falls; St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson, and Tony Gould, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Amery Regional Medical Center. And to our departing intern, UW-Stout graduate Holly Davis—thank you for your service—and all the best in your career!
As I write this, we are in the throes of renovating and expanding our space in Baldwin. The expansion will provide work stations for our parent educators and an improved program area. We appreciate the volunteer time of Board members Jack Pollitt, serving as our general contractor, and Carla O’Connell for leading the interior design. Office manager Keri Fitts is our cheerful choreographer—keeping operations going under the construction chaos. Before its complete, an estimated 50 volunteers will have donated more than 400 hours for leasehold improvements—ceiling installation, wiring, priming, painting, moving, building shelves, laying bathroom floors, and window and doors installation. We also appreciate the winter-long labors of our landlord, Jody Ramberg, for all her renovation work – especially stripping the walls to expose the beautiful brick beneath. Please stop in and see the new space!
Agnes Ring
