PORT ANGELES — First Step Family Support Center has been awarded $30,000 in funds for three programs.
Eleven programs statewide were awarded funding from the Community Based Child Abuse Prevention federal funding source for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
“This year’s recipients serve hundreds of Washington families,” said Greg Williamson, assistant director of the state Department of Early Learning, which disbursed the grants.
“These community organizations ensure that families have the social and emotional tools they need to keep their children healthy and safe,” Williamson said.
Programs funded by the money to First Step — which is at 323 and 325 E. Sixth St. in Port Angeles — will serve 700 families, the state agency said.
It is the second year the Port Angeles nonprofit has received the grant.
With it, First Step will provide a trio of programs for low-income families with children up to 5 years old. The programs include education and support services.
Here are descriptions of the programs:
■ The Circle of Hope is a support group for women experiencing depression in and around the time of giving birth, said Nita Lynn, First Step executive director.
The grant will fund 28 sessions.
The sessions take place at First Step and are led by a licensed clinical social worker who also works on First Step’s maternity support services team.
■ Tools of the Mind Learning Academy is a learning center for children 3 and 4 years old, Lynn said.
The classes run twice a week for 2.5 hours at the Dorothy Duncan Learning Center on Sixth Street.
“The curriculum used is called Tools of the Mind because it focuses on giving children activities to practice their executive function skills — skills necessary for us to develop so that we think about and plan for how we respond to our urges and challenges in the world,” Lynn said.
■ Cooking classes are held one day a week during the Port Angeles Drop-In Center.
The center is open to families four afternoons each week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Grant funds will be used to hire a drop-in staff member on cooking class days for one year.
The cooking classes are for parents and use fresh food grown locally.
“The Port Angeles Farmers Market often donates food to our cooking class so parents are able to learn how to cook locally grown fresh foods for their families,” Lynn said.
During drop-in center hours, families can access the children’s playroom and play yard, receive free books and use the free clothing and equipment closet.
“Parent often bring their extra kids clothes to the center as well, thus giving back to the community that supports them,” Lynn said.
Statewide, programs funded by the state Department of Early Learning Class “have a two-generational approach that empowers families with skills, promotes social connections and promotes strong bonds between parents and their children,” according to a news release.
Other grants were to agencies serving King, Whitman, Spokane, Snohomish, Thurston, San Juan, Grays Harbor, Pierce and Yakima counties.
For more information about First Step, see www.firststepfamily.org, call 360-457-8355 or email info_fstep@olypen.com.
