The purpose of the Family Services is to support families in receiving the services they need in order to enhance the quality of their lives. Head Start believes that something is only a concern if the family identifies it as a concern. Family Services staff, therefore, will only respond to requests for information and referrals from you. We will never tell you what you "should" or "ought to" do.
The Family Services staff is comprised of the Family Services Coordinator and the Family Advocates. There is one Family Advocate at each Head Start center to serve the families of the children enrolled in the program. The Family Advocates work directly with each family to develop a Family Partnership Agreement and provide information and assistance as needed to reach personal goals. Family Advocates make at least two home visits during the program year to work directly with the adults in the household. The Family Advocates also provide support to the center's Parent Group.
Call your Family Advocate. She will help find resources, make referrals to other agencies, and help make contact with those agencies, if needed. The Family Advocate is also available to go with families to appointments or meetings, and provide transportation if needed. Sometimes the Family Advocate will request the Family Services Coordinator help locate resources or provide other support.
The Family Advocate will be developing a Family Partnership Agreement with you. They will help you find resources to help in achieving a goal that you have set. Examples might be:
Jean Brown, Searsport Family Advocate 548-6268
Sandi Holk, Winterport Family Advocate 223-2253
Linda Rolerson, Unity Family Advocate 948-5228
Contact Debra Palmer, Family Services Coordinator, at 338-3827, x214 or email her now with any questions, comments or suggestions at dpalmer@waldocap.org.