A new report makes the case for more prevention programs

Bill Graves, The Oregonian
April 8, 2010

Oregon offers promising programs to support the social and emotional health of infants and toddlers in the critical first years of life, but those efforts reach only a fraction of the kids who need them, a child advocacy group reported today.

By not investing more in "upstream" prevention programs for infants and toddlers, "Oregon will continue to flood its downstream mental health treatment programs, its alcohol and drug addiction services, and its criminal justice system," writes the Children's Institute of Portland in its report, "From Risk to Resilience: Building the Social and Emotional Health of Oregon's Most Vulnerable Young Children."

But when children do not get enough adult support and interaction, the report says, they become distracted or disengaged, impulsive, insecure and prone to emotional outbursts and fights with classmates. Factors that jeopardize healthy social and emotional development include parents with depression or drug and alcohol problems, poverty, exposure to violence, neglect, abuse and loss of a parent.

Many Oregon programs reduce risk factors and aid healthy social and emotional development in young children, the institute reports. One is Healthy Start, a family support and education program. Relief nurseries provide quality preschools, parent coaching and other services. Early Head Start, which the Legislature in February expanded by $1 million, helps parents develop healthy relationships with their infants and toddlers.

But those and other programs reach only a small share of children in need of support, the institute reports. Healthy Start screens 10,000 families with a first-born child each year and provides home visits from a professional for about 2,500 to 3,000 of them. Relief Nurseries serve 954 children in 11 Oregon communities. Early Head Start reaches about 1,700 children and their families –- less than 6 percent of those eligible.

"A chasm remains between what Oregon is doing and what we should be doing," the report says.

Early Head Start grant is awarded to Family Building Blocks

February 9, 2010

We are thrilled to announce that we will be able to serve an additional 60 young children and their families. Family Building Blocks has been selected to provide Early Head Start services for low-income families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women. Early Head Start promotes healthy families by providing education, home-visits, activities for families, child care services and more. Read more in the Statesman Journal article, "Federal funds to give babies a head start."

FBB’s expanded services will create 20 new job positions.

Family Building Blocks was voted one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon

October, 2009

Oregon Business surveyed more than 6,700 employees from over 200 nonprofits and not-for-profits organizations around the state. read more

Service clubs court younger demographic

Ruth Liao, Statesman Journal
October 1, 2009

At 35, Michael Lopez is the Salem Downtown Kiwanis' youngest president in recent memory — his full head of black hair tends to stand out in the sea of white-haired members.

Nonprofits are finding it harder to attract leaders such as Lopez, as well as donors and volunteers in his generation.

"They're out there, and they want to help..." read more

Oregon nurseries give parents, kids a sanctuary in tough times

by Paige Parker, The Oregonian

"You have to deal with your kids when you've just been told no on an interview," says Bonneau, who is separated from her husband. "When you've just been told 'No, we can't help you with your apartment.' You just want to sit down and bawl, and you've got to keep acting like you've still got it together for your kids."

Even in the best of times, raising children can challenge the most stable of parents.

But the worst of times -- times like these -- can leave stressed-out adults unfit to parent just when their children need them most. Under the pressure, some can crack.

Not if Oregon's 11 relief nurseries have anything to say about it... read more

Reruns for Kids Voted Local Favorite for Best Children's Clothing Store

April 26, 2009

Family Building Blocks Parent Receives Award

By Jillian Daley, Statesman Journal
March 15, 2009

The Soroptimist of Keizer's Fifth Annual Awards Banquet will be Thursday. At 6 p.m. at MiNa's at the McNary Golf Course, the Soroptimists will give Sophia Macaitis their Women's Opportunity Award and Laura Kelder their Violet Richardson Award, said Soroptimist member Jennifer Wilson.

Macaitis, a mother of two, is working on a bachelor's degree in social services at Portland State University. After her June 2010 graduation, she plans to work with at-risk youths. Her award will be $1,000.

Kelder, a McNary High School senior, volunteers at Salem Hospital two hours per week. Teens 14 to 17 engaged in volunteer activity for their schools or communities usually are eligible for the award. Kelder will receive $100, and Salem Hospital will receive $100 through the award.

Women's Opportunity Awards are intended to provide resources to a woman who wants to improve her education, skills or job prospects and who is the primary source of financial support for her family.

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Director of Family Building Blocks wins ATHENA service award

By Capi Lynn, Statesman Journal
January 21, 2009

"Sitting on Sue Miller's desk at Family Building Blocks is a small sign with a quotation from anthropologist Margaret Mead.

'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,' the sign reads.

Miller shared that message Tuesday during a luncheon at Salem Conference Center after receiving the ATHENA Award, which honors individuals for professional excellence, community service and leadership..."

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'She always found ways to help'
ATHENA Award recipient Sue Miller's family sings her praises

By Capi Lynn, Statesman Journal
January 22, 2009

 

Sue Miller loves to talk about her work, her passion. As executive director of Family Building Blocks, which provides intervention services to high-risk children and families, she gets to make a difference.

But try to get her to talk about herself, her personal accomplishments, and she all but cringes.

Like this week, for example, when she received the ATHENA Award for professional excellence, community service and leadership. She was chosen from among 10 nominees, all women with impressive credentials.

"This is somewhere between humbling and embarrassing," Sue told me when I first congratulated her by phone....

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