Fall 2014
We Open October 1st!
Our playgroups are re-opening in October with a full slate of activities for kids including crafts, song, music and dance. Just as important, are the opportunities FRC playgroups offer for parents, families and caregivers to connect with each other.
The general schedules for our Hudson, Chatham, North Chatham and Germantown sites are posted below.
For a month-to-month schedule, including holiday closings, visit our full calendar at www.familyresourcecenterscc.org.
HUDSON: Christ Episcopal Church, 431 Union Street (across from the Hudson post office)
Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
CHATHAM: Morris Memorial, Park Row in Chatham Village
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. As always, kids are free to enjoy additional playtime in the gymnasium after the Chatham playgroup!
NORTH CHATHAM: North Chatham United Methodist Church, Route 203 in the Hamlet of North Chatham
Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m to noon.
Please note that North Chatham Playgroup will meet at the North Chatham Public Library on October 1st, October 8th and October 15th and October 22nd.. The opening time will remain the same and the library is directly across the street from the North Chatham playgroup site.
GERMANTOWN: The Reformed Church of Germantown, 20 Church Ave, Germantown
Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Special Note on Openings and Closings:
Please note that each playgroup follows the same schedule as its local school district. When the school district is closed, the FRC playgroup in that district will be closed. If there is an opening delay for the local district due to weather, playgroups WILL open as scheduled.
Fall News and Notes
FRC Continues to Support Families in Need under Berkshire Taconic Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program
The Neighbor to Neighbor Program was established by the Berkshire Taconic Foundation to provide emergency funding to families experiencing economic distress. FRC was awarded $5,000 in funding to make small grants (around $500) to help families in sudden, short term crisit with items such medical bills, short term housing costs or transportation problems. The funds are not intended for long term or ongoing assistance, but for strategic intervention to help achieve a measure of stability or avert further crises. Inquiries into FRC’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program may be made in confidence by calling our office at (518) 392-3911.
FALL FUN!
Halloween Party in Chatham!
FRC will host a Halloween bash for the toddler and pre-school set in the gym of the Morris Memorial on Friday, October 31st from 4 p.m. to 6.p.m. Geared toward younger kids who might not be up for a full night walking out doors, this event will feature fun games and crafts. For parents who want fun treats, without all the sugar, healthy Halloween themed snacks will rule the day at this event! Kids will love the chance to show off their costumes in the Halloween Parade around the gym at the end of the festivities.
This is event is by donation! Suggested donation $10 per family will help us buy craft supplies and snacks.
Chatham Village Main Street Parade
Join us at Chatham Playgroup on Thursday, October 30th at 9:30 a.m. as we celebrate Halloween with a kiddie costume parade in the Village! Parade is followed by a group photo- op on the front steps of the Morris Memorial, a Halloween themed snack and craft at our playgroup site!
Family Bowling to Return in November!
FRC is planning to host another Family Bowl in November. Great fun for kids and adults this festive and family friendly event includes two hour of bowling, pizza, great music, raffles and great fun for kids and adults!
Date to be announced
Claire’s Closet Thrift Shop
Don’t forget to visit our kids clothing and gear thrift shop which is open during Chatham playgroup hours on Tuesday and Thursday. If you are in need of items and can’t make it during those times let us know! We will make special arrangement to meet you. We offer gently used items for infants through 6x and reasonable prices. We are always accepting donations!
Our Hudson Site also maintains a donation closet with gently used kids clothing, toys and other useful items. Items in Hudson’s closet are a great way for families to swap clothing and toys!
Your Support is Critical!
Family Resource Centers is committed to opening its doors 5 days a week from October through June for kids and families and has done so since 1971. Amazingly we have remained FREE of CHARGE for all of this time. This is almost unheard of in this day and age.
There is much talk about the vital importance of early childhood learning and the need for funding universal pre-k nationwide — FRC has been doing exactly this for decades and it comes as no surprise to us (or our hundreds of families!) that children benefit from playgroup!
Sadly, funds continue to shrink as the State funding has been steadily reduced. Grants are great — but very few allow support for day to day costs required to keep our doors open.
The good news is YOUR SUPPORT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
How can you help?
Please consider supporting our Annual Appeal in November!
Please consider attending our fundraisers and bringing friends along with you!
All of our site directors welcome juice, crackers, cheese, apples and coffee donations!
If you have time and energy and want to participate in fundraising or sharing a special skill with us, let us know!
Our Board meetings are held monthly and we LOVE hearing from the families that we serve!
THANK YOU!