Blue River Family Center
by Jackie Florendo Director, Blue River Family Center
The Blue River Family Center (BRFC) is a collaborative project between Blue Valley Community Action, Head Start, the City of Crete, and the Crete Public Schools (CPS). Its purpose is to bring together the resources of the community to offer a one-stop shop for family needs and services.
Located across the street from the Crete elementary school, BRFC offers services in two phases. The first phase consists of youth services and education: (1) CPS, including Adult Education and job training, Even Start Program, Special Needs preschool, and migrant education; (2) Saline County Head Start; and (3) the Blue River Family Center early education and care programs, providing drop-in services; preschool with extended day programs; infant care; and a resource library for parents, early educators, and care providers.
The collaboration among the programs provides for smooth transitions and promotes the bonding/security attachment children must make in their early education and care environments. The child and care environments. the child care program works together with the Even Start Program to provide adult, child, and parent education programs. Crete Childcare Connection Line and extended night hours are also a part of BRFC's Phase I family support services.
The second phase of the program brings in other agencies that serve families: Blue Valley Mental Health; Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services satellite office; Blue Valley Community Action (domestic abuse services, immunization registry, food pantry, family service coordinator); health services (drop-in immunizations, WIC, well baby checks); and the Crete Technology Center, which provides computers and training for community residents.
Each agency and program brings expert knowledge and a wealth of information which, combined through collaboration, supports and works together to meet the needs of community families and children.
For more information, contact:
Blue River Family Center,
325 East 9th, Crete, NE 68333.
T: 402/826-4216, F: 402/826-5218
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