Keweenaw Family Resource Center

History of KFRC

KFRC has supported local families with young children since 1991. We provide services to parents with children birth through 4 years of age through a variety of programs and collaborations. These programs are a first link to community resources for many families in the Copper Country.

KFRC, intially known as the Trinity Drop In Center, was established in 1991 with the goal of strengthening family life in the community. We are a non-profit 501(c) organization that provides Mommy, Daddy, and Me playgroups and story hours, home and hospital visiting services, parent education, and other services to area families from a variety of socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. KFRC programs are operated by a dedicated group of staff with the help of several enthusiastic volunteers. Funding comes from a variety of sources including grants, local service organizations and individual donations.

The KFRC has a long history of collaboration with other area agencies and organizations serving families with young children. It has received numerous awards, both at the local and state levels, including the prestigious Program Award from Michigan Children’s Trust Fund for the home visiting program for program quality, excellence and innovation. At the national level, it has been recognized by the Episcopal Church of the USA as a Jubilee Center for dedicated service to those in need.

In our last fiscal year (October 1, 2008 - September 30,2009) KFRC:

• Visited 328 new mothers who delivered at both area hospitals providing “Welcome Baby” bags containing information on community resources.

• Mailed on average 270 “Parenting: The First Year” newsletters each month to families with newborns in the tri-county area.

• Provided 5 playgroups and 1 story hour at 5 locations each week. The number of child visits from playgroups and story hour totaled 1262!

• Provided 367 home visits to 37 children 3 years of age and under.

• Hosted 18 “Playtime in the Park” outings throughout the summer months at a variety of local parks with the number of child visits totaling 521.

• Provided 41 area families with needed items from the Baby and Maternity Closet

KFRC Board of Directors:

• Judith Harkonen, President
• Lisa Mikkola, Vice President
• Willie Melton, Secretary
• Elizabeth Jacobson, Treasurer
• Robert Bishop
• Debbie Gershenson
• Martha Janners
• Robert McTaggart
  
• Caroline Penny
  

KFRC Staff Members:

• Cathy Benda, Director
• Lori Bradley, Administrator
• Laura Nakkula, Family Services/Early On Services Coordinator
• Pam Sheridan, Home Visitor
  
• Kathy Williams, Center-Based Coordinator
• Andra Ziemnick, Program Assistant
  

KFRC is supported by the Michigan Department of Education, BHK Child Development Board, Copper Country Intermediate School District, Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, Superior Child Abuse Prevention Council, Canterbury House/EACW, Copper Country United Way, Trinity Episcopal Church, Copper Country Kiwanis, local businessess, service organizations, and individual donations.

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• Our Vision

  All families with young children in the Copper Country will participate in healthy child development activities in nurturing environments that encourage parents and caregivers to play an active role in their child’s life.

  Our Mission

  The mission of the Keweenaw Family Resource Center is to support, enrich, and strengthen family lives in the Keweenaw Peninsula by providing a variety of programs that focus on families with children from birth through four years of age.

  2009-2010 Mommy Daddy and Me Schedule
  

  Mondays - Houghton

  Trinity Episcopal Church

  205 E Montezuma Ave.

  9:30 am - noon

  
  

  Wednesdays - Houghton

  Trinity Episcopal Church

  205 E Montezuma Ave.

  9:30 am - noon

  
  

  Wednesdays- Mohawk

  Horizons School

  110 Stanton Ave

  10:00 am - noon

  
  

  Thursdays - Lake Linden

  Lake Linden High School - Across from the library

  601 Calumet St.

  9:30 am - noon

  
  

  Fridays - Hancock

  Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

  1000 Quincy St

  9:30 am - noon

  
  

  Sleepy Time Story Hour

  (Schedule varies)

  6:00 - 7:30 pm Mondays

  Daniell Heights Community Center

  2001B Woodmar Drive

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