During these tough times, Family Building Blocks is still serving children and families a safely as possible.
“Our first priority is the health of our staff and their families, as well as the health of the children and families we serve,” said Patrice Altenhofen, executive director. “We are proceeding with extreme caution, as we all know how quickly things can change.”
Altenhofen said FBB following guidelines from several agencies, including the Center for Disease Control, Oregon’s Early Learning Division, the Governor’s Office and the Office of Head Start.
“Our therapeutic classroom teachers, home visitors, and support staff are conducting home visits remotely and reaching out to families on our unserved list,” Altenhofen said. “We are also hosting virtual family play groups and parenting support in English and Spanish. In addition, we are delivering weekly emergency food boxes containing additional supplies like diapers, wipes, and cleaning and hygiene products to families in our programs.”
According to Intake and Resource Coordinator Michelle Guzman, families are asking for more specific resources such as clothing and household items that are hard to come by. Weekly calls are made to ask what resources families might need, she said.
“Our staff is awesome,” Guzman said. “And so, obviously, are the donors, the communities that really step in at this time to help our families.”
Belinda Deeds, supervisor of Gracie’s Place in West Salem, said part of FBB’s role is “to be able to deliver hope that we are stronger together.”
“That’s the message that we’re putting on the boxes as we send them out,” Deeds said.
As she delivered a few boxes to families recently, Deeds said all called out a thank you and children waved to her from their windows.
Altenhofen said with an abrupt increase in overwhelming stressors associated with COVID-19, including social isolation, severely restricted availability of childcare, distance learning, and limited access to resources, families with young children have been struggling to maintain stability.
“We are witnessing, firsthand, families at a breaking point – living in or near a space of dangerous volatility,” she said. “In response to this increased need, Family Building Blocks, along with the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, strongly advocated for Relief Nurseries to be allowed to provide respite care to children during this time and worked with the Early Learning Division to create the necessary guidance and protocols. Respite care gives parents a much-needed break from the demands of parenting, while providing children with a fun and safe social environment with their peers.
“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safest possible respite care environment for children and staff,” she added. “We are offering several sessions of respite care to families enrolled in our programs. Sessions last two or three hours and are offered at multiple locations. Parents can use this time to regroup, prioritize self-care, and restore some balance to their weekly routines.”
Families in Marion and Polk counties with children ages 5 and younger that need support can contact FBB’s Intake Team by calling 971-301-1003.
To donate needed items, purchase and ship from FBB’s AmazonSmile Wish List. “Amazon will also donate 0.5 percent of eligible purchases to Family Building Blocks!” Altenhofen said.
Other donations may be delivered between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to Chelsea’s Place, 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem. Call 503-566-2132 before stopping by, and if donating food, ensure fresh produce isn’t too ripe.
Financial gifts are welcome and needed more than ever, Altenhofen said.
“You can give online by filling out the form or by texting FBB to 91999,” she said.
