CHSW partners with families so they are not alone, assessing their needs without judgment or stigma, providing a comprehensive path forward. Read on to learn more.
Mother heals personal trauma to pay-it-forward, supporting families’ reunification journey
“I was fortunate to have so many supportive people through my reunification process. The biggest lesson I learned: Never be closed off that you can use help. There are always things you can improve about yourself, your situation and relationships, so don’t be afraid to use the resources offered and lean on people who are there to support your success.” - Briana H., Parents for Parents Coordinator
Navigating co-parenting: A family's journey with WISe
After a particularly heated argument with Annie one day, Megan picked up the phone and called a crisis line for help. That’s when she learned about Children’s Home Society of Washington (CHSW) and the WISe program (Wraparound with Intensive Services) through one of our Family Resource Centers (FRCs). Little did she know that her simple act of asking for help would eventually change her family’s lives for the better.
How Early Learning helped Rosalia’s twins find their voice
CHSW’s early learning programs provide thousands of children (from birth to age five) and their families with essential support to prepare them for school success. Kids receiving early learning support are more likely to meet and even excel in social-emotional health, language, cognition, literacy, and mathematics.
Family resource centers help families of all backgrounds and cultures
Family Resource Centers (FRCs): what are they, and why are they vital to the well-being of our communities?
At Children's Home Society of Washington (CHSW), we like to think of an FRC as a one-stop shop where families and individuals can get all the help they need at a centralized location. FRCs offer a variety of services that are designed to empower our communities through the Family Pathways Framework. This involves three key areas:
· General services, like walk-in information or referrals to another organization
· Center services, such as programs and services at the FRC for early learning, behavioral health, parenting or life skills
· Family development, to set goals and track progress
Every family deserves to succeed, and we’re here to help. CHSW operates eight FRCs across the state, each providing a safe and welcoming space where families can access various resources and services to help improve their well-being.
For example, we recently enjoyed serving the Kapoors*, a Hindu family who came to us with multiple needs. Despite transportation and language barriers, our staff was able to provide them with support, like connecting them with a new car seat, diapers, and clothing for their children – and helping them fill out applications for healthcare enrollment and other public assistance programs.
It’s important to hire staff from the same communities they will be serving, especially when it comes to supporting families from different backgrounds. This way, our team can offer personalized and effective help based on shared experiences.
Ayana is one such staff member from the Ethiopian community who was once a former participant in our home visiting program. Because of her experience with the program and interest in helping other families like hers, she was hired to help interpret and facilitate a Play and Learn group offered in the Amharic language. She also provides outreach to and enrollment for other Ethiopian families who could benefit from our home visits and other services. Ayana and her daughters continue to be involved in the Center in other ways and have volunteered at family events held by the center throughout the year.
Stories like the Kapoors’ and Ayana’s are living proof that the people we help today can become the light for the families we’ll serve tomorrow. Our team provides a supportive and non-judgmental approach to assessing a family’s needs while providing a clear path forward. We are proud to serve as trusted partners to families so they never have to walk life’s path alone.
*All names have been changed to protect anonymity
Kristen Conte is the director of marketing and communications for CHSW.
Finding help and hope: Rebecca’s journey
Rebecca feared that seeking help for her mental health struggles and Isabella’s behavior would result in involvement from Child Protective Services. She loved her daughter more than anything, but she couldn't shake the fear that she wouldn't be able to provide the stability they needed to stay together.
Triple Point alumni reflects on impact of LGBTQ+ support group
“Triple Point made me feel normal and validated for who I was. I never felt isolated, alone, or wrong for being who I was while I was at Triple Point. I made friends, learned more about my community, learned about all kinds of different resources in our area, and felt like I had adults in my life who understood and supported me.”
Children’s Home Society of Washington invests in strengthening families with $8 million gift
Children’s Home Society of Washington, one of the state’s and nation’s leading children and family organizations, announced today it has received a significant investment in its groundbreaking efforts to strengthen families.
The expansion is thanks to an $8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
The unprecedented gift is the largest unrestricted donation in the 126-year history of Children’s Home Society of Washington. This contribution will help Children’s Home Society of Washington carry out its transformative work to shift government and philanthropic resources to keeping families together and to combat inequities that have been compounded by the pandemic.
LGBTQ+ youth support group makes lasting impact beyond graduation
Walla Walla family reaches Mobility Mentoring Bridge goals despite pandemic challenges
Like most families, Walla Walla, Wash. couple Stephen and Kendra Barfoot were impacted by COVID-19 as they fought to find a “new normal” amid the challenges of 2020. Parents to six-year-old Scarlett and 3 ½ year-old Noah, The Barfoot family has benefitted from the Early Head Start and Mobility Mentoring Bridge programs offered through Children’s Home Society of Washington.
A Washington state family’s journey to reunification, with the help of Parents for Parents
“The kids were removed on a Friday and we were told they’d be home Monday,” Jamie recounted. “We didn’t see them again for nine weeks.” At a crossroads, Chris and Jamie were pushed to seek the help they so desperately knew they needed, fueled by the powerful motivation of getting their children back home with them in a safe, stable environment.
Siblings find permanent, loving home despite pandemic challenges
Lora and Matt Bowden are a Washington couple with a passion to care for children in need. They have 10 children, a combination of biological and adopted children ranging in age from 35 to six years old, including siblings Angel (12) and Zaayne (6) who were adopted in 2020 through a collaboration between Children’s Home Society of Washington’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK) program and DCYF, part of the Washington state 10-year Permanency Initiative.
North Central Washington couple expands their family, provides foster care for children in need
Pandemic doesn’t stop adoption journey
A happy ending for three siblings, amid a pandemic
CHSW closes its Records & Reunion program
A special young woman thrives in a loving forever home
A mother pulls through the darkness with the help of local parents
Parents for Parents (P4P) Program Coordinator, Natalya Kinder knows all too well how parents new to the program are feeling.
P4P provides peer mentoring for families who become involved with Child Protective Services through court outreach, education and ongoing peer support from parent allies - parents who have successfully navigated the child welfare system and who, by virtue of their life experiences, have unique credibility with birth parents in the dependency system.
