Northwest Connection Receives Grant From WI Dept. Of Children And Families

SAWYER COUNTY -- Northwest Connection Family Resources is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).  The grant will support NCFR's Community Response with Northern Enhancement (CRP-NE) project. Programming is designed to build protective factors for families, build informal support systems, build confidence in parenting and confidence in parenting and ability to advocate for their family to seek resources and support when needed.

Community Response Program (CRP), currently delivering services to families with children, has expanded eligibility to include self referrals and community referrals.  CRP strengthens family functioning by providing access to concrete services that families need and assists them in accessing formal systems and informal resources to meet their individual family needs.  Trained Specialist's assist families in locating resources and services including:  applying for benefits, basic needs, budgeting, child development, eviction prevention, parenting, employment, energy assistance, education, referrals to community resources and transportation.  Historically, referrals have been received from Sawyer County Health and Human Services for families who have come to the attention of Child Protective Services (CPS).  Given the wide variety of needs and child welfare risks the expanded CRP programming will allow families to seek support and reduce the contact families may have with the child welfare system. The grant allows community agencies and members to refer families to CPR who may be unaware support is available.  CPR is a voluntary, typically a 12-20 week program.  Self referrals and community referrals can be made by calling NCFR at (715) 634-2299, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

New Baby Hospital Visits, available to all new parents delivering in the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.  NCFR's Parent Educator can provide resources and support including how to access short and long term home visitation programs, car seat safety installations/inspections, parent education, community resources, new baby care, child development information, head trauma prevention and more.  Each baby will receive a free Hide & Seek Beehive with 5 cute bees that jingle, rattle, crinkle and squeak.  NCFR supports new parents... "Help your baby bee all they can be!"

Parent Cafe' Conversations - Building Support for Parents by Parents. Parent Cafe' is a series of three family fun nights including a FREE family dinner, adult conversation, play activities for children (6 years and younger) and a family activity, facilitated by trained staff.  Family Fun Nights are open to all parents and relatives caring for children.  Themes will bring about fun interactive adult discussions around everyday parenting, effective communication, child development, the Protective Factors and more!   Every parent has wisdom to share, come be part of the discussion!  The first series will be held at NCFR on March 11th, March 18th, March 25th from 5:00-7:30 pm.  Pre-registration is required, call (715) by March 7th to register.

Five for Families Awareness Campaign has been developed by the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. Watch for posters and brochures, created to help increase parental and community knowledge of the five essential strength: Helping Kids Understand Feeling, Parenting as Children Grow, Connecting with Others, Building Inner Strength and Knowing How to Find Help. To learn how to build on your family's strengths visit: Five for Families.org or call NCFR for more information.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families' (DCF) mission is to improve the economic and social well-being of Wisconsin's children, youth and families by protecting children and youth, strengthening families, and supporting communities. The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant will provide needed services to families throughout Wisconsin.  Northwest Connection Family Resources received one of six grants awarded through a competitive process. For more information about DCF visit https://dcf.wisconsin.gov.

Northwest Connection Family Resources is a non-profit agency established in 1994 with a vision "To promote and nurture strong and healthy children, families, and communities with lasting benefits that touch the future". To learn more about the Community Response with Northern Enhancement grant or to find out about other NCFR programs visit wisconsinchild.org, like us on Facebook, call or stop in at 15896 W 3rd Street Hayward.