Stephanie and Brandon’s Story
My 6-year-old son Brandon and I were struggling with the recent, unexpected death of his father. When the pandemic hit, our lives continued to spiral when I lost my job
Mom and Daughters Begin a New Chapter
Melissa, a mother of three daughters had come to Friendly Center a few times over the years, mostly to participate in holiday events and food distributions when needed. But during
Diaper Distribution Program, One Year Later
1 in 3 US families struggle to afford enough diapers needed to keep their child clean and dry, with a recent study indicating that ‘diaper work’ (the physical, emotional, and
The First Family Engagement Events of 2021
Friendly Center’s Family Engagement events offer families a chance to engage in bonding activities together. Though the pandemic has limited the ability to offer the program large scale, staff has
Grieving Mom and Daughter Find Stability and Hope
Ava is a 6th grade student who began participating in Friendly Center’s tutoring program a few months after losing her father to COVID-19. The devastating loss left Ava shattered. She
Struggling Single Dad Receives Vital Support at Friendly Center
Paul was a single dad struggling with unemployment and mental health issues during the first six months of the pandemic. He felt these hardships were impacting his children, Sam (13)
Over a Thousand Easter Baskets for Local Kids
On the Monday before Easter, Friendly Center successfully held its annual Easter Basket Drive where supporters drop off Easter baskets for local children from low-income households. Each Spring, the goal
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. As a Family Resource
Heather’s Story
Heather’s Story The following story is from the perspective of a Friendly Center client. All names have been changed for confidentiality. At the start of quarantine, I experienced increased abuse
Family Finds an Advocate, Resources, and Hope at Friendly Center
Ava has battled cancer for almost ten years, going into remission then experiencing a recurrence in 2017. Ever since then, she has struggled with the difficulties of managing chronic pain