“We provide resources for families. We provide a safe place for the community to come with their families,” Joai Broughton, manager of the Children’s Board Family Resource Center (CBFRC) said.
The CBFRC functions as a strong, collaborative partner with agencies committed to families in Plant City, though it is open to all residents of Hillsborough County. It invests in partnerships and quality programs to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County. Community partners deliver high-quality programs and services in Plant City. These partners include: BayCare KIDS, Museum of Science and Industry, Preserve Vision Florida, Family Healthcare Foundation, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Suncoast Community Health Mobile Dental Clinics. The Centers are managed by Lutheran Services Florida.
Since the beginning of the year, an average of 1,200 people have come through the doors each week because the Center offers outstanding activities and content.
The CBFRC has a free-play space where kids can be kids, and parents and caregivers can enjoy a little free time with their children. Books, blocks, puzzles, trucks, and toy animals are among the items in the area that can engage children.
The Glazer Children’s Museum Pop-Up Play exhibit features rotating themes throughout the year—forts, sea turtles, trains, and classic children’s literature were among past topics. The display includes bilingual interactive play, and learning elements.
The MOSI in Motion exhibit provides science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) learning opportunities and family engagement for children four to 11 years old. This learning opportunity has set up three space-flight simulators, a Be the Astronaut display, hands-on STEAM workshops, and family nights. The exhibit is designed to foster a love for science and technology, and strengthen family bonds through learning and exploration. This room in Plant City is like an extension of MOSI. The feature has monthly themes like dinosaurs, space, the human body, and weather. Families can come in for monthly family nights to hear MOSI staff educate about the theme.
In addition, on an ongoing basis, CBFRC staff develop, plan, and produce an array of fun, engaging, and educational programs for children and families. Programs range from sensory play, to STEAM, to parenting classes. Child development, play groups, tutoring, educational classes, and classes in Mandarin, Spanish, and English are also in place. Other activities include a Lego building club, bicycle and pedestrian safety sessions, and swim vouchers when available.
The CBFRC promotes parent networking through activities, classes, support groups and special events at which parents and caregivers are encouraged to meet other adults. The CBFRC idea in this is that no parent should have to raise a child alone, and building social connections and communities of support with other parents is healthy. Moms come in to the location to talk to build community while their children play.
In addition, CBFRC partners with BayCare to provide a monthly mobile health clinic. The center also offers a monthly dental clinic, developmental screenings, and car seats for the community. On-site staff is available to offer Medicare and Medicaid access assistance. Also, a family health navigator helps guide families through the healthcare system with things like finding the right kind of medical insurance. The center can connect people with mental health resources through providers and partners.
“We’re a hub,” Broughton commented. “So, not only do we have healthcare, we have our activities, we have tutoring. I feel like we are the staple of that in Hillsborough County.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
“First of all, you can help by letting people know we are here,” Broughton said. “We have not connected to the community as well as we wanted to.” Another way to help is to volunteer at the front desk, teh clothes closet, or events.
The Children’s Board Family Resource Center provides its services to residents at no cost. So, donations of food, diapers, formula, snacks, games, toys, school supplies, and anything that families need are welcome, and will be distributed to those who are in need. CBFRC is already gathering materials for its back to school event in late summer.
CBFRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and accepts financial donations. “We have limited resources,” Broughton commented. “We take what we have, and do what we can for our community here in Plant City.”
The Center location and hours are:
301 North Palmer Street, in downtown Plant City
Mondays and Saturdays – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information can be found at www.familysupportthc.org.
