GREETINGS! This has been another exciting year at Family Education & Support Services (FESS) as our work continues to be recognized not only regionally, but also at state and national levels. Through our classes and Parental Compass Podcast, we have expanded our reach to help parents both geographically and within the local continuum of care. These endeavors rely [...]
Sam came to FESS with his kinship family, after his parents refused to pick him up from a residential mental health facility, requiring Child Protective Services (CPS) to intervene. The rejection devastated Sam. He had to move away from his hometown to live with his aunt and uncle that he barely knew. He sank into a deep depression and [...]
Sitting on the dock, drinking coffee, watching the flocks of geese coming and going- this is exactly how we pictured retirement! We didn’t want much more than to walk down to the neighborhood lake and enjoy the peace and quiet whenever the weather allowed. Sometimes, we bring our fishing poles and try to catch some trout. When we retired, we were [...]
This month, I would like to highlight two of the many classes we offer at FESS. Dynamic Dads, and The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children (IDV). Our Dynamic Dads class is a favorite for many fathers (even the ones who don't think they will learn anything). The way we know this is by receiving feedback from those who complete the [...]
Voices of Kinship Caregivers winners announced For 18 years, FESS has coordinated the statewide contest, Voices of Children Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives. This year, the contest was expanded to include a new element, Voices of Kinship Caregivers. Two entries from those submitted by kinship caregivers were chosen for recognition, although all entries were included in a book that includes [...]
FESS’ Strengthening Families Conference Nov. 3 gives professionals and parents new tools and strategies to help kids thrive OLYMPIA – What do parents want? To raise children who grow into healthy, happy, caring and confident adults. In a culture where an overload of social and economic pressures is bearing down on them, both parents and the many professionals who [...]
