On Wednesday, April 15th, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services observed Child Abuse Prevention Month with a special presentation and a pinwheel planting ceremony at the Empire State Plaza. The event served to raise awareness of statewide prevention efforts to protect children and keep families united and strong whenever possible.
The event spotlighted a variety of prevention and family support efforts across the state that are led by OCFS. One of those efforts is the Family Opportunity Center program, a grant-funded program that operates statewide, including in the Camden Central School District through a partnership with Connected Community Schools.
Connected Community Schools project manager Valarie Mudrie was one of the event’s featured speakers. She serves as the Family Engagement Coordinator for Camden's FOC. She was accompanied to the event by the District’s Family Opportunity Center grant administrator, Ashley Montieth.
“The Connected Camden Family Opportunity Center (FOC) connects families with programs and resources that help build protective factors and support children in thriving both at home and at school," Mudrie said in an OCFS Press Release. "Whether it’s access to transportation assistance, housing support, or essentials like clothing and food, the Connected Families FOC helps students and families access what they need. With working with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the FOC is able to meet people where they are and help empower caregivers to make informed choices that strengthen their families.”
Below is video of Valarie’s speech.
Per OCFS, Family opportunity centers and family resource centers are located at nonprofit social services organizations and public schools. They aim to improve family well-being by enhancing social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, and parental resilience. The centers, along with local districts of social services, also assist families needing concrete supports such as food assistance, housing support and connections to quality physical and mental health care.