EVery child matters

FMF is proud to offer strengths-based, trauma-responsive services and programming to children from birth through high school - both to kids staying in our shelter and those in aftercare. We offer developmental screenings to all household members two months and older within two weeks of entering shelter. These assessments identify potential concerns and enable us to refer children to appropriate resources.

We support the social and emotional learning and intellectual growth of school-aged children and teenagers by hosting programming Monday-Thursday. In the afternoons, our kids practice reading, play math games, and complete their homework. In the evenings, our children conduct science experiments, grow vegetables, dance, create art, and learn about healthy relationships. Our teenagers do all of the above as well as volunteer in the community and participate in a college and career readiness fellowship. This programming is coordinated by our Enrichment Programs Manager and powered by volunteers and community partnerships.

Our Children’s Services Coordinator supports parents as they advocate for their children in the school system and connects them to community resources like Durham Parks & Recreation, summer camps, computers, therapists, and mentors. Staff and families regularly attend arts and sports events together, which is fun and provides the chance to try something new. We encourage self-knowledge and social-emotional learning by discussing goals, strengths, and growing edges with our kids.

Our Early Childhood Specialist guides our volunteers from congregations and civic groups to create a safe and fun learning environment for our infants and preschoolers while their parents are in adult programming. We talk with parents in depth about their children’s development and connect them to any resources that could help them grow. Our Children’s Services Coordinator refers our guests to Head Start, Early Head Start, and other high-quality supports for parents in the community such as Center for Child & Family Health and Exchange Family Center.

We always seek to connect families to resources they can continue to access after they secure permanent housing and are grateful for partners who provide our children with free books, memberships at the Museum of Life and Science, and other enrichment opportunities. We strongly believe that our two-generational approach will make a difference in the lives of kids for years to come!