Family Support Services

Family Support Services currently offers six programs to help families and their children reach their fullest potential.

The department is comprised of the Courthouse Children's Center, Kinship Program, New Beginings, Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP), Parent Educationa and Aweness Program (PEAP) and Wheels for Work.

Programs

Courthouse Children's Center

The Courthouse Children's Center is a free, drop-in child care center that open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The center is a fun, nurturing, educational and safe environment for children whose adults are attending to Family Court business. Care is provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

Kinship Care Program / Raising Another's Child

The Kinship Caregiver’s program provides information, advocacy at DSS and Family Court and community referrals for resources to those who are raising someone else's child. All services are FREE regardless of income level. Kinship means that a child is being raised by someone other than the parent.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings provides formerly incarcerated individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed with a vocational assessment , soft skills training, job readiness, resume writing, job search and application assistance , interview tips, financial literacy and skills needed for a successful job search.

Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP)

The NOEP program provides assistance, information and pre screening for potential eligibility for anyone who wants to apply for food stamps. The NOEP Coordinator will help with the required paperwork and will arrange appointments at, follow up with, and advocate on behalf of applicants at the local Department of Social Services.

Parent Education & Awareness Program (PEAP)

The PEAP program offers parent education workshops for separating or divorcing parents or any adult who is in a custody or visitation battle. These disputes also occur outside of the nuclear family. The Assisting Children through Transitions curriculum is used to help adults lessen the negative impact that family conflict can have on a child.

Wheels for Work

The Wheels for Work program provides low income working parents with a vehicle so they can gain or maintain employment. The programs are County specific and parents must meet eligibility guidelines that include: income requirements, 25 hours employment a week, dependent children and a license that is not currently revoked or suspended.