Portsmouth, NH, June 6, 2022 – Families First Health and Support Center is excited to announce that its Family Center program has been designated as a Family Resource Center of Quality (FRC-Q) by the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council.
The Family Center is the only FRC-Q in New Hampshire to be located within a community health center. This offers advantages like having playgroups strategically scheduled to coordinate with pediatric and prenatal days at the health center, and for families to visit their primary care provider, dental care provider, and attend family programs all in the same location. In addition to providing parenting classes, playgroups, parent groups and family programs at Families First in Portsmouth, the Family Center offers programs in Somersworth, Epping, Exeter and online.
The Family Center earned this distinction for the many unique advantages it offers Seacoast-area clients.
“The distinction of being a designated Family Resource Center of Quality highlights the vital and amazing work that our staff provide to the community,” says Jessica Garlough, Director of Family and Social Services at Greater Seacoast Community Health. “It is our sincere hope that with this designation comes the opportunity for more community awareness and engagement, expansion of our programs and opportunities for additional funding to continue the much needed support and growth of our next generation.”
Families First is a part of Greater Seacoast Community Health, a network of community health centers providing primary care, pediatrics, dental care, prenatal care, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, mobile health services, WIC, social work services, a pharmacy, parenting classes, playgroups and home visiting. The network includes Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth, Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth, and Lilac City Pediatrics in Rochester.
The Family Center merited FRC-Q designation by demonstrating exemplary practice building family strengths. Over the past year, Family Center staff engaged in an ongoing self-assessment that includes gathering feedback from participants and community partners, a site visit, and lengthy application process submitted to the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council for review.
“Family Resource Centers throughout the state share that preparing to seek designation as a Family Resource Center of Quality has been affirming for their staff, illuminating to their Board of Directors and reassuring for the families they serve,” says Maria Doyle, Family Support Programs Manager at NH Children’s Trust and Co-chair of the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council.
To learn more about Greater Seacoast Community Health, and the many family-strengthening programs they offer, visit GetCommunityHealth.org.
