Friends Association for Children
Since 1871, the Friends Association has offered multiple services through many centers in the Richmond area. They help children (ages 6 wks.-12) and their families reach their potential and become productive citizens by providing developmental child care. They also offer youth enrichment, adult leadership & career advancement, family support service, and music education & performing arts programs.
Programs Supported by the Community Action Fund:
Preschool and child daycare program designed to stimulate and support early childhood growth and development. The program utilizes the Creative Curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten and incorporates learning activities in four areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Friends strives to create an environment that meets the social, emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of children, and allows children to make choices, solve problems, and work at their own pace. In addition, multi-age groupings allow children to learn from one another and learn to nurture those who are younger and disabled.
The School-Age program is a curriculum-based series for children 5 to 12 years of age. The program promotes physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development and strives to help children succeed in school. In addition, the program helps children to better understand themselves, develop self-confidence, understand the needs and desires of other children, constructively manage their emotions, and increase their knowledge and understanding of the world. Participants are primarily children of working parents who attend schools in neighborhoods adjacent to each of four Friends facilities in the metropolitan Richmond area.
Family Development Service offers support, education, and appropriate interventions to children and families experiencing difficulties in the home. The program assists parents who have children enrolled in preschool and school age childcare programs. Staff work with these families to: ensure that stable family units are developed and maintained, encourage a wholesome family life that supports the childcare program service objectives for children, and assist parents with their parenting and vocational skills. Services include supportive counseling, vocational coaching, referrals to GED/literacy training, and Leadership and Career Training. Additionally, all parents are members of the Parent Advisory Council, which meets monthly to discuss agency programs and provide parent education sessions. Those requiring more assistance with parenting are given individual education sessions as well as opportunities to attend group parenting classes offered by SCAN throughout the year.
