Pony Express Partnership for Children in Marshall & Washington Counties Receives Family Resource Center Funding
Governor Laura Kelly has announced that 10 Kansas communities are receiving grants to assist with the creation of Family Resource Centers. These funds, granted by the Kansas Department for Children and Families, are part of its ongoing efforts to decrease the need for families to have formal contact with the agency.
Pony Express Partnership for Children in Marshall and Washington Counties has received $197,443.
“The centers receiving these grants serve as community hubs with the sole purpose of supporting families in their own neighborhoods,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Providing easier access to programs and services, including job skills training, early childhood programs, and nutritional services, sets Kansas families up for success.”
Family Resource Centers are designed for all families with services at no or low cost for participants. Examples of services and supports offered at a resource center include:
- Childcare resource and referral
- Counseling
- Early childhood programs
- Food bank, cooking, and nutrition programs
- Health screenings
- Home visiting program
- Job skills training
- Legal services
- Literacy programs
- Parent leadership and peer groups
- Play groups
- Youth leadership and peer groups
The Kansas Department for Children and Families partners with the Kansas Children's Service League to administer the Family Resource Center network. The Kansas Children's Service League will work with the communities to design and create their center. As the lead operator of the Parent Helpline 1-800-Children, the Kansas Children's Service League offers important insights on parenting and caregiver resources that will help ensure the success of each Family Resource Centers.
Grants run through June 30, 2024, with three one-year options to renew.