HomeMy WebLinkAboutFirst Step Family Support Center VEVO
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�.IRST STEP FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
---0. B(.-I)X 249 • Port Angeles,--------------__""-------------____---------
40 WA 98362 (360) 4157-8355
May 8, 2014
MAY 13 L)
Port Angeles City Council
PO Box 1150 (5ITTUFT`Z)!_7 ANULLES
'Flit CLERK
Port Angeles, WA 98362 ........... .... .
RE: Nonprofit funding for 2014
We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for approving Human Services Funding for
2014. As a grateful recipient of this funding, we would like you to know how First Step Family
Support ("enter puts these dollars to work for families and children in Clallani County.
Children need strong, loving parents to guide them through their childhood, so that they can thrive.
Parents need support, too, so that they can provide for their children and do the important work of
raising a healthy, thriving child. First Step is here for these parents and their children. Thank you
for being there with your votes to help us assist these families.
Last year we served 4,689 adults and children, the majority of whom are low-income, through a
variety of programs, including:
• 385 families in Maternity Support Services
* 2,986 adult visits and 2,539 child visits to our Drop-In Centers in Port Angeles and Sequim
• 75 families in the Parent-Child Assistance Program
• 176 families through Parents as Teachers Home-Visiting Program
* 129 participants in Parenting Education Classes
First Step is just one of the many, local nonprofits that make Clallam. County and Port Angeles a
wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. J'he fact that our City Council voted to approve
Human Services Funding, speaks to our tremendous strength as a community. The support of the
Council not only benefits the existing residents who utilize the programs and services that our
nonprofits provide, but it also sends a clear message to potential residents and new business
owners that this community is stable with safety nets and resources for its most vulnerable
residents.
We recognize that the Council was presented with some tough decisions in order to balance the
annual budget. First Step has also been affected by an uncertain economy, particularly during the
last several years. rhankfully, this agency has the support of an engaged Board of Directors
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A United Wei.),Agency
and individual and corporate donors that ensure a healthy bottom line. I-lowever, the reality is that
there is greater competition regionally for fewer dollars. Our staff is intentional. and strategic in its
fundraising and grant writing efforts, and responsible and progressive in its program management
and planiiing. 'I'lie support of our own local government has proven critical in all of these efforts as
it lends First Step Family Support Center credibility on applications to potential funders, especially
those we actively cultivate outside of the area.
We would Eke to keep the Council up-to-date on the progress our families make, as well as report
on exciting program changes and expansions. We invite you to take a tour of First Step. On any
given day here, you will find the Drop-In Center's kitchen alive with families eating, laughing and
making important community connections, and parents gathered around the conference room table
gaining valuable information at a parenting education class. We would love for you to see your
investment at work.
To schedule a visit or arrange for us to deliver a presentation about First Step at an upcoming
meeting, please call us at 457-8355.
On behalf of our clients, staff and Board of Directors,THANK YOU for helping us deliver. on
First Step's mission to promote the healthy development of children and families in Clallani
County.
Sincerely,
r . '
Nita Lynn Brenda Tassie Staci Matthes
Executive Director Board President Development Manager
First Rep family Support Center Board of Directors
Brenda Tassie, President Trisha Parker, Vice President Barbara Clampett, Secretary
Kathy Murphy-Carey, Treasurer Darlene Jones Cindi Hutchison
Diane Johnson Jessica Payne Patricia Green
Susan Yanik Dennis Duncan John Wegmann
Orville Campbell Nancy Chambers Katie Osorio
Margo Homberger