The FRC playgroups have been a valuable resource for my family. I have brought 5 children to playgroup starting at age 1 until they began kindergarten. I am fortunate enough to have the ability to bring my children to work with me and have prepared them for kindergarten at home. The playgroups not only allowed me to socialize my children but helped me prepare them for school. They were able to practice transitioning from one activity to another and following another adults instructions. It was also encouraging to be around other parents with children the same age. The playgroups and resources offered at the FRC are unlike any other.

East Hartford parent

I am writing today as a resident of East Hartford and current participant of the Family Resource Center. In 2018 being a stay at home mom to two kids. My infant son and 3year old daughter at the time. I was not sure of resources to stimulate my kids social, emotional, physical needs. Joining the family resource center offered my kids many benefits such as social interaction with other kids their age, educational opportunities from story time, musical entertainment, playing with educational toys, arts and crafts, field trip and snack time just to name a few. Not only were there benefits for the kids but also for me as a parent trying to juggle the demands of life. I got social interaction with other adults to whom I still maintain a wonderful friendship to this day. Also with my husband being the only working parent the diaper bank was a huge help! When it was time for my daughter to begin preschool the FRC gave me all the information needed to apply. To this current day my son who is in first grade attends the FRC. It is such a sentimental moment looking back at pictures of him playing at the FRC when he was just 3 months old to now playing in the same area at 7 years old. Please reconsider funding for the FRC there are many moms and children that will benefit from the FRC. Thank you for your time.

Meesha Dawkins