Lake Stevens Family Center
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Dec 15, 2015
Our program last week was about the Lake Stevens Family Center presented by Crisann Brooks and Malysa Johnson. The Center works in association and through Lutheran Community Services Northwest. There theme is "Getting Involved" - "Changing Lives", based on the 9 Principles of Family Support Practices. Family Support is a set of beliefs and an approach to strengthening and empowering families and communities so that they can foster the optimal development of children, youth and adult family members. The staff and families work together in relationships based on equality and respect. The staff supports the growth and development of all family members. Primary responsibility for the development and well being of children lies with the family and all segments of society must support families as they rear their children. Families are empowered when they have access to information and other resources and take action to improve the well-being of children, families and community.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest was founded in 1921 in Tacoma. The organization is a tri-state agency in Washington, Oregon and Idaho serving over 100,000 people annually. The organization partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. Lutheran Community Services Northwest has eight centers including Lake Stevens-Granite Falls in a five county region of Washington serving over 31,000 people each year. Family support emerged in the 1970's to fill gaps in service to families; the "Family Support Movement" which gained momentum in Snohomish County in the early 1990's.
The goal is to target the hard to reach and the most vulnerable who are at risk. Intervene early, and when needed, across a wide range of needs. Promote and protect health, well-being and the rights of children, young people, and their families preventing child abuse and neglect. The community of Lake Stevens is growing and changing. The population estimate for 2015 is over 28,000. The Lake Stevens Family Center works with an Advisory Council to provide guidance moving forward in order to provide services for families in our community. Thank you Crisann and Malysa for a very informative program that is working in our community. In order to complete their mission, the organization relies on donations, volunteers, dollars and in-kind supplies. Help the Lake Stevens Family Center grow and continue its mission.