The Benevilla Family Resource Center (FRC) Program remains open and active during the Coronavirus outbreak serving area families raising children 0 to 5 years old. The Benevilla FRC Program is available, answering your phone calls and bringing free support and resources to families in an area extending from Glendale to Wickenburg and West to Aguila.
The Family Resource Center (“FRC”) has been a Benevilla program since 2009 when Benevilla received a grant from First Things First, the state board – funded by the tobacco tax – that promotes early childhood development and health. This program offers Community Services Information and Referral, Health Insurance Applications, Lending Library for families, adults and children, Imagination Station Literacy Events, Purposeful Play Groups, “Song.ercise” for parents and children and School Readiness Kits and Presentations.
“With so many family lives in disarray right now due to the pandemic, our goal is to offer parents and caregivers of young children immediate and stress-free access to information and services supporting and enhancing their ability to prepare their children for success in school and in life,” said Aleena Erickson, the FRC Director.
FRC staff are taking referrals of vulnerable families from partner agencies and providing virtual visits and creating family plans with follow-ups. As part of the process they are doing AHCCCS, TANF and Nutrition applications over the phone.
The “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” Kinship Caregiver Program is also offering virtual home visits and support groups for kinship families.
There are also numerous fun activities being still happening through the Benevilla Family Resource Center. They are holding “Drive-By Give-Aways” of free information and free helpful books. FRC has an extensive lending library with over 1200 children’s books, 200 family videos, and 700 adult books on family issues and child development. Ms. Gabby has created special “Go Play” developmental activity kits specifically for the “Drive-By Give-Aways” at various locations across the community. Make sure to follow the FRC team on Facebook to find out where they might ‘pop up” next.
Families enrolled in our FRC programs needing even more help are authorized to receive home curb-side deliveries of food boxes, and diapers if available. For more information about current FRC activities or the available programs, contact Aleena Erickson at 623-207-6016.