Parent Resource Center

MODESTO -- Maria Silvia Negrete, 40, gathers with her children, from left, Alexandra Gallegos, 9, Carlos Manuel Gallegos, 5, Armando Gallegos, 3, Rodrigo Gallegos, 16, and Juvenal Gallegos Jr., 7, at their home in Modesto.

"At Parent Resource Center I've learned a lot of different things from this program especially since I've been here going through different pregnancies. I learned how to focus on my pregnancy. I learned different things about my pregnancy so when my child was born I can care for my child. I've learned different techniques like relaxation and how to keep my other children involved. Also, not just to focus on the baby and forget about them. To keep involved with the whole family and to interact with all my children. More love to my children is the thing I really learned and how to give them the proper attention that they deserve because before I wasn't really aware of that how much attention my children need. I want to thank everyone in this group for helping me learn all these different things."

The Parent Resource Center is a two-site collaborative Family Resource Center. Its two offices focus on programs to serve families within the west, southwest, central and Airport neighborhoods of Modesto. Our programs focus on the reduction of risk for child abuse and neglect as well as improving children's health and development.

Address: 811 Fifth St., Modesto, 95351 and 530 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Modesto, 95354

Phone number: (209) 549-8193 (Fifth Street) and (209) 549-8822 (S. Santa Cruz Avenue)

Web site: www.prcfamilies.org,

Services provided:

• Parenting education and support (childcare while in class, transportation provided to and from class).

• Intensive case management (case managers & mentors).

• Differential response services to families referred by Child Protective Services (CPS).

• Depression screenings and referrals for adults.

• School readiness and literacy education.

• Child health insurance application assistance.

• CalFresh (food stamps) enrollment assistance (hands-on nutrition education).

• Developmental assessment and referral for children.

• GED preparation education.

• Community outreach.

• Emergency supply provisions (food, formula, clothing).

• Drop-in services .

How we serve those in need:

A success story from one woman helped by the Parent Resource Center:

"I am not the same person today as I was when I went to the Parent Resource Center for help nearly four years ago. When I was introduced to PRC I was coming out of a 10-year meth addiction. PRC's compassionate staff has given me the support I needed to embrace my role as a mom, and walk down the road of recovery. Through PRC I was able to obtain my GED, which was a vital stepping stone to getting into college. I now know that getting an education is the single most important factor in breaking the cycle of addiction and poverty. Today, I have hope, dreams and plans for my future. PRC has enabled me to find joy in the relationship I now have with my daughter. I would not be where I am today without PRC. Their program is truly life changing."

Individuals and/or families assisted per month:Approximately 200 people

How a $10 donation can help:

1. Diapers for families in need.

2. 52.6 pounds of food for emergency food bags.

3. Supplies to assist children receiving early literacy education.

$25 donation:

1. 131.6 pounds of food for emergency food bags.

2. Books for children to read/be read to in their homes.

3. Bus passes to help families meet transportation needs.

$50 donation:

1. 263 pounds of food for emergency food bags (I've asked PRC to get me correct numbers for food for $50 donation and $100 donation).

2. Baby formula for families in need.

3. Bus fuel to take families to and from parent education classes.

$100 donation: 1. 526 pounds of food for emergency food bags.

2. Educational materials for parent education classes.

3. Cookbooks, supplies and groceries for hands-on nutrition education classes.

Volunteer update:Volunteers are instrumental in our success; we count on their dedication in many areas of our agency. Contact Lisa Widdess, Volunteer Coordinator, (209) 549-8193. Training is provided. Volunteer opportunities include childcare, class co-facilitation, client mentors, administrative support, special event assistance, fund raising assistance, clothing closet management, reception assistance

Anything else we should know?

The Parent Resource Center is a two site collaborative Family Resource Center. Our two offices focus on providing service to help families within the west, southwest, central, and Airport neighborhoods of Modesto. Our goal is to provide families with comprehensive, culturally appropriate, impactful and high-demand services in some of the most impoverished areas of Modesto. Our programs are designed to focus on the reduction of risk for child abuse, neglect as well as improving children's health and development. Thanks to our generous funders and community supporters, all services are provided free.