At a time when the political talk is about reforming the welfare system and scaling back government aid to teen-age mothers, a center is opening in Annapolis with a clear vision of how to help young families.
At the Family Support Center on West Street, the emphasis is on prevention, local management and cooperation between public and private initiatives.
Located on the edge of one of the state capital's poorest neighborhoods, the Family Support Center brings together a variety of programs to help young parents who have children under the age of 3. Services are provided for free without regard to income.
The center aims to prevent poverty and abuse that can accompany young parenthood by teaching mothers and fathers how to better care for their children. Young mothers and fathers can enroll in classes to learn how to be better parents, manage their budgets and prepare nutritious meals. They can study for high school equivalency diplomas and receive tips on finding jobs. A public health nurse is on site to give children exams and immunizations and answer questions on health and nutrition. While the parents attend classes, child care is provided.
Although the center is opening at a time when everyone is searching for ways to instill family values, the concept is not new. The center is one of 19 locally managed facilities in Maryland funded by Friends of the Family, a nonprofit organization started by the state in 1986 to channel public and private money into family support services.
Integral to the success of the centers are the local boards which review programs and close facilities if they fall into disuse.
The administrators of the West Street facility expect to serve up to 100 families a year. While most of the clients will likely come from the nearby Clay Street neighborhood, the center eventually will provide transportation to reach families as far away as Calvert County.
The need for this service was evident by the flood of inquiries the center received even before it opened its doors. The demand would only grow if federal and state aid programs are diminished. We welcome the new Family Support Center in Annapolis and wish it success.