Administration For Children’s Services Announces Award For 30th Family Enrichment Center

Published on January 17, 2025, 3:00 pm
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New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser today announced the final award recommended for New York City’s “Family Enrichment Center” (FEC) expansion from three to thirty FECs.

FECs are welcoming walk-in family-centered spaces, open to all, that are co-designed with families and community members. At the centers, families and children can connect with neighbors, volunteer their time, participate in various offerings, and access resources and supports they feel they need to thrive.

Since 2021, ACS has been expanding FECs. ACS began with just three sites in 2017 and with today’s award, we now have completed the expansion with 30 local community-based organizations selected to operated FECs in neighborhoods across the City. Today, ACS announced the final award for Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, Inc., which will serve Pelham Parkway and Morris Park (CD 11) in the Bronx.

“It is a privilege to partner with organizations with such strong ties to their communities, so that more New Yorkers can have easy access to the offerings, supports and resources Family Enrichment Centers provide,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Community members play a central role in each Center’s unique design to meet the wants and needs of local children and families. Expanding FECs has been a top priority for ACS, and we’re thrilled to see the continued positive impact they have had on New Yorkers of all ages.”

In 2021, ACS announced a plan to expand from three to 30 FECs. New contracts for nine began on July 1, 2022; eight additional began on July 1, 2023; and nine more on July 1, 2024. In total, there are currently contracts for 29 FECs, which are in varying stages of implementation – some have been open and operating for several years; others are in the start-up phase, working to hire and train staff, engage community members to design and renovate their sites, conduct outreach, and provide in-person and virtual offering through partnerships with community organizations and leaders. This award will bring us to thirty FECs.

FECs partner with families and local leaders to identify community strengths and develop activities, events, gatherings, Cafés, workshops, and initiatives (all called “Offerings”) that aim to build one or more of five family protective factors that we all need to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities – these protective factors include social connections, concrete support, and parental resilience. Alongside FEC staff, FEC’s have community advisory councils that help shape each Center’s vision and direction along with other community members. Each FEC is as unique as the community in which it operates.

Everything about each FEC – including the name, the physical layout, and the offerings it provides – is co-designed with families and community members. Community organizations with long histories in the community operate the FECs. FEC participation is voluntary and open to all community members. They do not offer case management services and do not require families to disclose personally identifying information in order to visit or participate, including any information about a families’ child welfare involvement.

Examples of past and current FEC offerings include: movie nights (for families to meet in a safe space and allow children to make new friends); Men Matter Mondays (designed for men and male identifying community members to connect and offer their unique perspectives on issues affecting the men in community); pantry and grocery pickup events offering concrete support to families; T.E.A. TIME (Togetherness Engaging Activities Thoughtful Interactions Mindful Experiences); and parent cafes that facilitate peer-to-peer conversations about parenting.

A 2020 evaluation of the FECs showed that the first three Centers had a positive impact on families. FEC members reported that the FECs were enhancing their social supports (from family, friends and neighbors), family functioning, emotional connection with their children, and outlook on life.

Additionally, those surveyed reported significant increases in their access to advice and resources in addressing several life challenges, including parenting, financial issues, relationships, food and nutrition issues, and stress management. The report also said that FECs were having a positive effect on members’ access to concrete supports, which can help families better cope with stress, particularly in times of crisis.

For a full list of FECs in New York City, please visit here.

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