BRIGHTENING THE LIVES OF FAMILIES THE FAMILY NURTURING CENTER SERVES BY LEE ROSE, FAMILY NURTURING CENTER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Lakisha Hope, Senior Facilitator at Family Nurturing Center, keeps laminated photos of three siblings she helped through the Parenting Time Visitation Program in Cincinnati.
three times longer in out-of-home care than those who do. And kids visited regularly by their parents show fewer behavioral problems and less anxiety and depression than those who are not, the report said.
The children – all under age 15 – were placed in separate foster homes, and came to Family Nurturing Center (FNC) through Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services (HCJFS). The government agency refers cases to FNC when children are removed from their homes. FNC facilitates visitations with parents and their children who are in foster care.
JLC’S PHENOMENAL IMPACT
Lakisha was one of two facilitators assigned to the Jones* family. One afternoon, the oldest child, Monique*, arrived for what would have been her visit with her mother and two siblings. Except this time, her mother was not there. After school let out, Monique learned that her mother had died. She planned to deliver the news to her siblings when they arrived. Lakisha set out to make sure the burden of delivering the news didn’t fall on the teenager. She arranged for a HCJFS representative to tell the children.
In fiscal year 2021-2022, JLC kicked off the first of a threeyear partnership with FNC. This summer, JLC made the third of three $25,000 grants to FNC, totalling $75,000 in financial support, in addition to volunteer hours and Board leadership. Thanks to JLC’s generosity, the Cincinnati office is being beautified to create a warm space for families and a positive environment for our staff. “Our work with the Junior League has exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Jane Herms, MSW, President/CEO, Family Nurturing Center. “The time, expertise, resources and connections that these amazing women have shared will have an impact that will reach far beyond our three-year agreement. We are so grateful for the League’s partnership, leadership and friendship.”
“Monique sat holding her younger brother and sister as they were breaking down and crying,” Lakisha recalled. “She hadn’t shed one tear. This little girl was so strong. I said, ‘It’s okay not to be strong all the time. If you need to cry or anything, or step out, we’ll support you.’ Monique broke down crying.”
Erica Burns joined the FNC Board of Directors as a JLC representative. She’s a valuable addition to our governance and our finance committee.
FNC worked with HCJFS to allow the siblings to continue to see one another and console one another in the months after their mother’s passing. The agency was their safe place, and Lakisha provided continuity and support in their grief. “At the last visit, the oldest daughter said, ‘I’ll never forget you all,’” Lakisha shared. “For a teenage child to say that, FNC is doing something right.” Each Jones child was adopted by a family. The families allow the siblings to spend time together.
•
The children are among 300 families who visit their biological parents at FNC each week. The Parenting Time Visitation Program is one of the services FNC provides in support of its mission to end the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy family relationships.
•
Family Nurturing Center promotes permanency for children and works to shorten out of home placements by providing essential information and skill building opportunities. Research shows that children in out of home care are 10 times more likely to be reunited with their parents when mothers visit their children regularly. Children who do not experience regular visits with their parents spend *Names changed to protect confidentiality.
JLC Members have: •
• • •
• •
• •
Decorated the Participant Lobbies with activity books, words of encouragement and a chalkboard wall Purchased a sound machine to create privacy and calm in FNC’s visitation parent’s Participant Lobby Collaborated with US Bank to donate office furniture for the Cincinnati Participant Lobbies and conference room Put together craft kits for Mother’s Day Took a leadership role in Fall Fest and Winter Fest activities, and brought Halloween and other holidays to life in Cincinnati with decorations Donated two “Kids on the Block” program puppets as well as arts carts so that families can engage in activities during their time together Made FNC’s dream of ‘Lighting the City Blue’ for Child Abuse Prevention Month a reality, asking local companies use blue lights on a designated day in April. Joined the Prom with a Purpose fundraiser committee, helping to secure sponsorships and silent auction gifts, setting up for the event, and attending the event as both guests and volunteers Hosted FNC’s staff appreciation breakfast Scheduled regular cleanings of the Cincinnati office
Junior League of Cincinnati 13
