Collaborative effort creates support center

Spencerport school district opened The Family Support Center April 10. A collaborative effort to provide support services to district families, the center was made possible with a $400,000 federal grant, one of the eight awarded nationwide. The community partners include the Town of Ogden and the Village of Spencerport, who helped the district secure the grant.

The FSC will coordinate community support services for students and families, making services more accessible and affordable for families in need of prevention and intervention mental health services, such as individual and family counseling. Educational resources, parenting workshops and developmental asset building programs will also be available. The approach includes family, school and community-based agencies to identify student strengths, establish common goals and create effective partnerships. The center will be a model for other communities.

Among the community partners already committed to the support center are: Park Ridge Youth Outreach Program; Park Ridge Mental Health Center; Strong Family Therapy Services; Strong Family Therapy Training Program; Ogden-Spencerport Youth Development; Prevention Partners; Children Coordinated Services Initiative; the Monroe County Interagency Council; the Town of Ogden Police Department, the DARE program, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.