Family Helpline
Our Family Helpline is the access point to all services provided by the Family Help Center. Frustrated parents and caregivers can pick up the phone at any hour of the day or night (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) and find an understanding listener at the other end of the line (892-2172). Callers are assured that they may remain anonymous – our goal is to provide information that will help address whatever it was that initiated the call – providing services that provide immediate response to their needs – no waiting list, no fee. Our Family Helpline also provides immediate access to services provided through our many contracts with Erie County. We are not your normal 9 to 5 Agency — we are there to provide services that keep children safe – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 90% of children remain safely in their home with caregivers positively changing their behavior toward their child as a result of utilizing our Core services’ 24/7 Family Helpline.
Home-Based Support Services
Home visits allow our social workers to observe the family environment, monitor indicators of stress and risk of violence, and foster appropriate behaviors for both parent and child. Supportive and concrete services offer hands-on teaching and modeling of parenting and life skills, as well as assistance with day-to-day tasks such as securing community resources that address areas around basic needs, budgeting, time management, bringing the children’s medical up-to-date, etc.
Parent Support Groups & Companion Childcare Groups
People helping people. That’s what the Family Help Center is all about. When possible, we facilitate parent support groups that provide safe, supportive environments to help empower parents break their isolation, share problems and solutions and learn techniques to better care for themselves and their children. Childcare may be provided as needed. Parenting Wisely is an evidence-based program developed with over 30 years of science and study providing its effectiveness to equip parents with the skills they need to improve family interactions. This course has been proven to improve general family functioning, increase parent self-efficacy and reduce family violence.
Parent Café
Parent Café is an informal client-directed parent support group held over lunch providing parents and caregivers an opportunity to discuss topics such as self care, personal health, coping skills, parenting skills and more.
Food Pantry
We don’t have a lot – but we’re willing to share. Client families in critical need of emergency assistance for formula, food or diapers can turn to the Family Help Center.
Family Helpline
When Family Help Center cannot help directly, we use our thorough knowledge of community resources to make referrals to other helping hands. We “link” families to appropriate resources and agencies. Special needs evaluations and assessments are also arranged and monitored by our social workers.
Transportation
Family Help Center staff can provide assistance with transportation using bus passes and staff may provide transportation to appointments, group, etc. as necessary on a case by case basis.