What is a Family Enrichment Center?

In 2017, the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), launched the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) primary prevention initiative. FEC's were implemented to provide community-designed support to strengthen families. FEC's provide an inviting, home-like atmosphere where families can connect with neighbors and other community members, provide support to one another, connect to resources and build strategies to help families thrive. FEC's work with families and community stakeholders to identify strengths and develop programs (called "offerings") that promote one or more of the seven family protective factors. Protective factors are based on strengthening families by implementing programming designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. This approach has been associated with lower rates of child abuse and neglect and higher rates of child well-being. At the U.N.I.T.Y FEC, we believe that all families deserve to thrive and experience positive well-being. We're here to help. Tell us what you need and we'll do our best to connect you to the appropriate resource.

The FEC offers an inviting, safe space for community members to gain access to programs and resources. We provide a home-like setting where you can  

• Meet your neighbors in a casual, social environment.
• Co-lead programs and activities. 
• Reach out about family issues or needs.
• Connect over a meal.
• Build knowledge or learn a new hobby or skill.
• Help plan, organize or lead an event.
• Sit and relax while enjoying the space.
• Participate in family and community centered activities.

The FEC is a space intentionally designed with families in mind. We have a media center with computer and internet access, a private one-on-one room where you can discreetly speak with a staff member about important issues, a clothing boutique where we make dressing for success a possibility, adult and children's libraries, an adult sitting area with sofas and TV's, a children's play area, a gaming area where teens can connect and a pantry.