SALAMANCA — A new location for families of school-age children to receive support and resources in the community has officially opened at the former St. Patrick’s School on River Street.
Every Person Influences Children (EPIC), in partnership with the Office of Children and Family Services and the Salamanca City Central School District, held a ribbon cutting for its Family Opportunity Center Wednesday in the former cafeteria of the school building at 79 River St. Also attending were representatives from the Department of Social Services (DSS), Head Start and Ardent Solutions.
Since coming to the Salamanca community earlier this fall, Jericca Tunderman, Program Coordinator, said the program has been going well. She said they’ve received about 50 referrals and can help more families.
“We can help them with financial assistance on a case-by-case basis but also with parenting supports and workshops,” she said.
Monica Richardson, EPIC’s Director of Family Services, said they are excited to be a part of the community. About 37 families attended an open house held Saturday, Dec. 2, which she said was quite the lively event.
Programs and activities through the Family Opportunity Center are free and open to all families of school-age children. During this first year, the FOC will concentrate on reaching out to families in the Salamanca area, but every family in Cattaraugus County is welcome at the center. Richardson said EPIC has also begun talking with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the DSS for additional programs or services.
“We’re definitely becoming a part of the community, and our partners, DSS as well as the school district have been a tremendous support,” she added.
The FOC features play spaces where babies, toddlers and school-age children can play while parents meet and connect with other parents, learn about resources and engage in interactive and fun programs and activities. There are also activities for teens, a lounge area, space for family meals and much more.
For families currently enrolled with EPIC, Richardson said they have a holiday shop offering support for families to help fill out what their needs are. She said they recently held a food giveaway and may plan another before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Tunderman said they also hold a monthly storytime that includes making a craft, with the next one planned for Dec. 20. She said they also have a monthly or bi-monthly Bingo night, with the next one scheduled for this Sunday.
In addition, the FOC has family partners on staff to listen, share tools and tips and assist families in connecting to services and resources. EPIC’s heartfelt aspiration in establishing the Family Opportunity Centers is to strengthen families and build communities to raise children who make a positive impact in the world.
“It’s hard to be a parent, so just being able to provide additional support, pay a bill, provide a prom gown — anything that’s tangible that will help take some of the pressure off and increase the protective factor for families is a great opportunity,” Richardson said.
“This program is nothing like anything else we have in the county, and I think that’s really impactful,” Tunderman said. “A lot of people have told us that this is something the county has needed for a long time.”
Richardson said EPIC is available to answer questions and they can travel where needed. Although they’re primarily providing services in Salamanca and Olean now, she said they can refer families to other services EPIC is currently offering and connect them with the right agencies.
If you are curious to know more about the center or if you need additional information, contact Richardson via phone at (716) 332-4144, email richardsonm@epicforchildren.org or visit www.epicforchildren.org/FOC.
