Milton Family Community Center

Annual Report July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018

Serving Milton and the Surrounding Communities Since

1985

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Our Mission:

We build strong communities by empowering individuals and families through

innovative, quality services.

Our Goals:

To strengthen families

To create easier access to services

To promote a sense of community belonging

To promote positive parent & child interactions

Our Leaders 2017-2018 Leadership Team 2017-2018 Board of Directors

A Message from the Executive Director Friends & Families, I am pleased to present the 2018 Annual Report of the Milton Family Community

Center (MFCC). I am proud to be part of such a strong and caring organization. I

have no doubt that you will find this report to be both interesting and informative, as this report illustrates the efforts of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and

donors in making a difference in the lives of children and families. The variety of programs and activities you will read about will highlight how all of us at MFCC are

working together to strengthen families and the communities in which they live. MFCC

has been providing parenting and early childhood programs since 1985. Through the years it has built a commendable reputation for "being there" when children and families need us the most, providing the

supports that they need to be stronger, healthier, and happier. We are your local parent child center, and we are here for all our children and their families. I encourage you to, in addition to reading this

report; ask us how you can get involved. We want you to be part of our mission in strengthening families and building a stronger community for children to grow and learn in.

Sincerely, Vikki Patterson

Wes McLellan, Laura Butler, Heidi Slayton, Dan Osman, Anna Cadmus, Jeanne O’Bryan & Audrey Osman

Jen Hayes, Vikki Patterson, Melanie Dulude, Charlotte Parot, Kelly Hughes & Janet Richards

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Meet Our Staff

Jennifer Hayes - Early Childhood Program Director & Preschool Educator Terry Melton – Reach

Up Case Manager Colette Wilson – Parent Educator Vikki Patterson – Executive Director

Melanie Dulude – Reach Up Program Coordinator Martha Nolin – Assistant Teacher Jessica

Hood – Office Manager Katharina Badger – Assistant Childcare Director Amy Leo – (New Hire)

Finance Manager Janet Richards – Finance Manager (Retired) Charlotte Parot – Family Support

Manager Kelly Hughes – Internal Supports Manager/Parent Education Programs Coordinator

Lauren Marshall – Assistant Teacher Sara Robinson - CIS Family Support Worker/Parent

Educator/Playgroup Facilitator Miranda Ploof – Assistant Teacher/MASK Substitute Karly

Dusablon – Assistant Teacher Brianna Bult – Assistant Teacher April Botala – Lead Teacher

Milton After School Kids Team (MASK)

Lauren Turmel – Lead Teacher Brian Lamb – Staff Janice Burrows – Site Director Brenda

Tourangeau – Assistant Site Director Ben Fondakowski – Staff

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Financial Data

July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018

“In the short time I’ve been at MFCC, I am so proud to be a part of an organization that is providing so much help to the community. I am happy to keep the finance portion running smoothly so everyone at MFCC can continue to focus on running and improving programs to better serve those around

us.” Amy Leo – Finance Manager

INCOME

Contributed Support

Federal & State Grants grants 337,129

Indiv/Corporate/Foundation 24,869

Other Income 28,802

Total Contributed Support 390,800

Earned revenues 486,547

Special Events 2,154

Total Income 879,502

GROSS PROFIT 879,502

EXPENSES

Business expenses 30,558

Grant & contract expenses 37,053

Non-personnel expenses 15,349

Occupancy expenses 36,056

Other personnel expenses 12,900

Payroll and Related Expenses 679,525

Program expenses 60,183

Total Expense 871,624

NET INCOME 7,878

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings 289,822

Accounts Receivable 22,425

Other Current Assets 9,095

Total Current Assets 321,342

Fixed Assets 351,436

TOTAL ASSETS 672,778

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable 1,017

Other Current Liabilities 56,203

Total Current Liabilities 57,220

Long Term Liabilities 10,976

Total Liabilities 68,196

Equity 604,582

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 672,778

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Home Visits 8 3 0 0 0 12 0 23 9

Women With Purpose , Learning

Together, Parent Education/

Training

4 6 4 0 0 18 0 32 18

Playgroup/ Wecome Baby 15 17 5 1 0 52 101 191 48

Information & Referral x x x x x x 1595 661

Reach UP Case Management 2 5 7 7 3 29 43 96 32

Emergency Foodshelf 13 47 88 102 12 829 456 1547 733

Family Support, Holiday Support,

Emergency Assistance

9 46 72 69 5 134 8 343 109

Infant Toddler Care, Preschool,

Milton After School Care

15 14 42 0 0 90 0 161 62

Totals 66 138 218 179 20 1164 1785 3570 1672

Statistical Data

July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018

The students and teachers in the Toddler Classroom practice emerging literacy skills.

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Positive Impact Family Satisfaction

MFCC collects data on all of our children enrolled in our Preschool Program. As the results above demonstrate, 100% of MFCC Preschoolers are at or exceeding developmental

standards in the six content areas of Social-Emotional, Physical, Langauge, Cognitive, Literacy and Mathematics.

Getting children ready for kindergarten is more than teaching them their A-B-C’s. In Vermont, we measure children’s readiness in five different areas of development, called

“domains”. These domains are:

Social & Emotional Development o Shows independence, deals with transitions smoothly, and interacts with

adults and other students in the classroom. Communication

o Communicates needs and wants, uses completst sentences when having a conversation and understands simple directions or requests.

Cognitive Development o Uses imagination and role-playing in play, can count five or more objects,

is aware of how books are organized and can recognize his/her own name in print.

Approaches to Learning o Appears enthused and interested in activities.

Wellness o Can perform some self-help skills such as wiping their nose, washing

hands, dressing etc. This domain also measures how often a child feels

sick, angry, tired or hungry.

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96% of

respondents

reported a

positive

impact on

their lives

because of

services and

support

provided to

them by MFCC

46 Families completed the MFCC Positive Impact

Satisfaction Survey

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Our Programs

Parent Education Programs

Parenting young children is the most wonderful, important, challenging job any of us will ever have. The parenting patterns that are established early in a family’s development are the ones that are the foundation for life. All families deserve whatever supports they need to do the best job possible in raising their children. The goals of our Parent Education Programs are to help each family get off to a healthy start; promote well-being; build on family strengths; and prevent problems such as illiteracy, poor health, welfare dependency, and family violence, sexual, physical or emotional abuse. The Parent Education programs at MFCC focus on supporting parents to be their children’s first and best teachers. Not all parents seek out support through a formal group workshop, many prefer a more casual or personal atmosphere to discuss and share their thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding parenting. MFCC’s Parent

Education Programs Include:

Home Visiting Play Groups Parenting

Workshops Learning Together Support Groups

Each of these programs provides parents with support, education, and information they need or are seeking. Parents in our Parent Education Programs benefit from an increased sense of community belonging and stronger social connections with other parents. The activities that we promote for the children are designed to help each child develop and grow, increasing their cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and wellness skills that allow them to build on their natural curiosity and bring an

enthusiasm for future learning.

All our programs have a strength-based focus that strengthens participants’ abilities to recognize and build on their own unique skills. Balancing work and family is a challenge for many parents. So many unexpected barriers can come up when trying to raise a child and prepare for success in the workforce. It is our Learning Together program where we are able to provide an on-site work training program balanced with parent education and support, that helps parents develop skills that they will use in the

workforce.

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I am the Toddler Program Lead Teacher and the Assistant Childcare Director. I have a

passion for working with children. Being a teacher provides an opportunity for me to

continually learn and grow. As a professional I am able to guide, support, evaluate and mentor other staff as they work to acquire the skills and attributes necessary for the field of

Early Childhood Education. My goal as a teacher is to provide children with an environment where they can feel safe to explore and are able to express themselves. As a teacher I strive

to form close relationships with the children in my care and their families. I believe that all

families are entitled to high quality care in an inclusive, non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive environment that fosters active learning. As an educator I ensure that children in

my care are provided with the highest quality of education. As a professional I connect families to resources within their community, supporting and guiding them to meet their

needs and future goals.” Katharina Badger - Toddler Program Lead Teacher/Assistant Childcare Director

Early Childhood Programs

Seventh Generation Toxin Free Kids Grant

Our goal is to make our center more eco-friendly. Thanks to the Seventh Generation Toxin Free Kids Grant, MFCC was able to replace a very old carpet and tile in the toddler room with an eco-friendly bamboo hardwood floor. The purpose of the grant was to assist high quality childcare programs, like ours, in Vermont serving infants and toddlers, in providing healthy indoor environments. We are so grateful for this grant, which allowed us to purchase the materials for our new floor that was installed in August 2017.

Parent Education & Support

Thank you Seventh Generation Toxin Free Kids Grant!

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Milton After School Kids (MASK)

The MASK program is a fully licensed childcare program for school-age children in grades K-6. The program is conveniently located at the Milton Elementary School, utilizing the cafeteria space during non-school hours. Children enrolled in our MASK program also have the benefit of having access to the school gymnasium and playground (weather permitting). The goal of the Milton After School Kids (MASK) program is to provide a safe, stimulating, supervised, educational and socially enriching setting for up to 40 children in grades K – 6 during the immediate before school hours, after school hours, and vacations. MASK activities include cooking, gym time, outside play, homework help, arts & crafts, gardening, life skills, field trips, special events, and

much more!

Milton Promise Community

Milton is proud to be one of 24 communities participating in the Promise Community program and received grant funding to help turn the curve for good outcomes for young children and families. The vision of the Milton Promise Community is that all children in Milton thriving with the support of an engaged and connected community. Milton Promise Community is working together with our families and community to do what it takes so that children are safe, healthy, and ready for school. The Milton Family Community Center was one of the key partners in this grant program to establish and staff the Open Gym and Saturdays in the Park Playgroups. Community key partners include: the Milton Recreation Department, The Milton Artists’ Guild, Milton Town Library, Milton Town School Distrtict, Vermont Department of Health, ABC Academy Childcare, Footworks Studio of Dance, Cornerstone Church, New Life Church, Building Bright Futures, Milton Community Youth Coalition and the PATCH Network to

support local events that were specific to the purpose of the Promise Community Grant.

“Children learn best when allowed to play. Each activity we plan is deliberate and

incorporates skills needed for kindergarten readiness. Children in our group explore,

experience, create and learn - all through play. The smiling faces and joyful laughter are all beautiful side effects! I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.” Colette

Wilson – Parent Educator & Promise Community Playgroups Coordinator

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Community Development

PA TCH

Since 1996, the Milton PATCH members have been meeting monthly to work together in finding ways to support children and families in our community. One of the key functions of PATCH is to bring agency and organizational partners to the table, providing forums to help service providers better understand what each other is doing, coordinate services more effectively, and to fill gaps, reduce duplication and expand community development. In an effort to meet these goals, monthly are hosted by the Milton Family Community Center for area agencies to come together to share ideas,

resources and to continually improve access of services within the Milton community.

Volunteer Programs

MFCC is extremely thankful for the support of all our dedicated volunteers. We are fortunate to have a core group of 15 dedicated volunteers who regularly come to our center and assist us in running our center smoothly. MFCC values volunteers and consider them to be our Ambassadors and our Champions.

Community Garden

The Community Garden at MFCC was revived just this year. Jessica Hood, our Office Manager, took on the coordination of the project. With help from local high school students and volunteers, the gardens were cleared and vegetables planted. Garden beds were also adopted by the public for their own use. Vegetables from this year’s garden were harvested to support the families of Milton and the surrounding communities who rely on the MFCC Emergency Food shelf.

Milton High School Seniors join the efforts in cleaning up and restoring our Community

Garden beds, and the surrounding grounds.

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On-Site Services

Reach Up Case Management

The State of Vermont's welfare-to-work program that helps families with children by providing services that support work, cash assistance for basic necessities, assistance with applying for 3 Squares food benefits and health insurance. Eligibility depends on your income, resources, living expenses, who lives with you, your ability to work and other factors. Supporting their families through work is a common goal for

many young parents. We're here to help make this goal a reality.

As a parent-child-center, MFCC provides Reach Up case management services to pregnant and parenting women and families generally under the age of 25 but is available to eligible persons with no age limits and often works with women and families ranging in age from 16-50. MFCC provides Reach Up case management to participants living in Milton, Colchester, Essex, Winooski and Jericho.

The goal of Reach Up is to help participants become more self-sufficient and assist by addressing any barriers that might make it difficult for a parent or family to engage in employment, training programs, education opportunities or volunteer positions. Reach Up case managers create a Family Development Plan with participants which maps out their employment and/or personal goals and the steps to take to achieve them. The plan is updated as the participant progresses.

A Success Story

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Concrete Supports

Emergency Food Shelf

The Food Shelf provides basic assistance for families in need. It is available to families in need year-round with supplies being dependent on community donations and local food banks. In June of 2018 MFCC initiated the “Adopt-A-Shelf” campaign. The campaign is designed to partner with local businesses who select one shelf to stock for a three month period. The initiative will help keep the food shelves stocked, while building relationships new and old with the local business community. You may reference our statistical data on page 4 of this report.

“I am a trainee who is placed at the Milton Family Community Center through Vermont

Associates for Training and Development. I am using my skills to support MFCC’s Emergency

Food Shelf and front office. My training has been meaningful to me and it gives me great

satisfaction to know that I am doing all I can to help others in our community.” Cherie

Benoit

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Information & Referral

Information and referral is a consistently high need, from families needing support in finding food to needing a supportive person to talk through some difficult issues, requiring intensive staff time. Parents and other individuals call or drop in to talk with someone. All MFCC staff are knowledgeable on how to support families in accessing information about local, county and statewide services for families. Staff will make referrals and then follow up to insure needed services and supports were

obtained.

“My role in Family Support Services is to support families in finding and maintaining safe

housing, and the necessities families and children need to be successful and thrive. What I

find most rewarding is knowing that the service or referral I offer will provide a family with an opportunity to make positive changes. Families and children need safe housing, nutritious

food and other basic necessities before they can be productive students and community members. The Family Services program contributes to all these goals.” Charlotte Parot,

Family Services Manager

Follow Us On

For more information about our center, our programs and how you can help…

www.miltonfamilycenter.org

Thank you to our Community, our Partners, our Board of Directors & Staff for all that you do for the Milton Family

Community Center.

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In Closing

It Only Takes a Moment

It Only Takes a Moment It only takes a moment;

To smile,

To believe, In the potential of another to achieve,

It only takes a moment, It only takes a start,

Courage from the heart,

To go from alone to part, It only takes a moment,

A visit to a home, To meet with mom and dad,

To build on strengths, They may not know they had,

There are no rules,

Only useful tools, When used with love and care,

Take the family, from ‘here to ‘there’ It only takes a moment ,

To help each child fit in,

The end is reached, after we begin, It only takes a moment,

To encourage, support, and teach, It only takes a moment,

To educate a parent,

Sharing information, turning vague to apparent, It only takes a moment,

To encourage Children to play; It’s how they learn and make their way.

It only takes a moment, To show people they are not alone,

Others have been there too,

Sharing experiences they got through, Showing you can too,

It only takes a moment To help a stranger find a meal,

To recognize the struggle is real,

It only takes a moment, For you and me to form community,

It only takes a moment, To care what someone will think,

To provide a crucial link, It only takes a moment….

Written by Kelly Ann Hughes

Thank you…

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