1. family and parenting

Spring Issue 2015
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Location
Carl Cozier Elementary
Portable A
1330 Lincoln Street
Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday
1pm-5pm
360.676.6470 x 5851
frc@bellinghamschools.org
Available Information:

Basic Needs such as
food, clothing, and
housing

Child Academic and
Behavioral Support

Medical and Mental
Health

Special Needs and
Disabilities

Financial and Legal
Assistance

Educational and
Employment
Opportunities

Emergency Assistance
Additional Resources:

Computer Lab

Telephone

Clothing, Food,
Hygiene, and School
Supplies!
SPRING GREETINGS!
The Family Resource Center had tables at two recent community fairs:
Shuksan Middle School’s Resource Fair and the Bellingham Family Fair!
These were exciting opportunities to meet hundreds of families, answer
questions about the FRC program, and introduce ourselves to families
looking to enroll their children into Kindergarten for the 2015-2016
school year. We gave away tons of FRC fliers, information on our free
parenting classes, and candy to kids and adults alike.
Things have been picking up since Spring Break, and families are thinking about summer plans. We already have quite a bit of information
about local summer camps and programs, so please feel free to email,
call, or stop by Portable A with your summer questions!
More Free Parenting Classes
Last winter Ramona Garcia Slagle started hosting Padres y Padres: a
weekly parenting class for Spanish speaking families. We are proud to
announce that Parents Helping Parents, the English version of Padres y
Padres, has also started here in the FRC on Mondays from 5 - 6 PM.
These parenting groups gives families a safe place to support each other
in the community. There is no preregistration for these classes and
there childcare is provided!
For more information call Ramona 734-4616
or FRC at 676-6470 ext. 5851!
Blue Skies for Children Shoe Distribution.
Brand new shoes and socks for up to five children per family
living in Whatcom County who are homeless, low-income, in
foster care, or in relative placement. Call for an appointment
360-756 6710 before May 15th.
*Must have an ID for yourself and your children
Spring 2015
Community Resource Highlights
Samish Way Resource Center
Very similar to Bellingham School District’s Family Resource Center, the Samish Way Resource Center
focuses on connecting Bellingham families with community resource, specifically targeting the Samish
Way corridor. They have been working with the FRC since November through collaboration and referrals
to one another.
The Samish Way Resource Center opened their doors in October but have already had a lot of successes
in supporting families in a variety of ways. Working with St. Brendens Anglican Church, the SWRC has
put together lunches open to the community and plans to begin a Thursday night meal on a weekly basis in the future. The SWRC has also provided space for a kids club on Sunday afternoons.
For more information, visit:
Samish Way Resource Center
113 East Samish Way
Bellingham, WA
Tuesday to Thursday from 1-3pm
Phone: 360-224-9746
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Double EBT Dollars with Fresh Bucks
Make an appointment with DSHS to apply for an EBT card that can be used at the Bellingham Farmer’s
Market. Families that can prove low-income status can use their EBT card at the farmer’s market info
booth, receive tokens through the card, and get double their EBT dollars with Fresh Bucks up to $10.
This program will last until December 2015.
To make an appointment for an EBT card call 1-877-501-2233.
The Bellingham Promise
Vision: We, as a community, make a collective commitment to Bellingham’s Children. We will empower every child
to discover and develop a passion, contribute to their community, and achieve a fulfilling and productive life.
Mission: We collectively commit that our students are cared for and respected, and that they will graduate from our
schools prepared for success in the global community. Each will be exceptional in his or her own way, with strong character, a
passion for learning, and ready for the widest range of educational and vocational options to support a diversity of life
choices.
Key Strategy: A One Schoolhouse Approach means that the district will strive to
provide equitable distribution of resources and services to ensure excellence for all.