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A growing sense of educational disparity is hindering a segment of Fairfield County�s children from succeeding in school and developing the skills necessary to lead productive and fulfilling lives.� The Opportunity Gap, this inequity of educational and community support services, is often attributed to social issues including a lack of parent involvement, inadequate housing, access to health care and vocational training.

Family Centers offers families a two-generational solution to closing the Opportunity Gap. Through comprehensive education and human service programs, we aim to focus on the entire family to provide continuous support as children progress through school and begin careers. By addressing the root causes of the Opportunity Gap at the earliest stages and providing family support throughout a child�s life, we're helping to ensure long-term success.

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Community and Supportive Services

Operated in collaboration with Charter Oak Communities (the Stamford Housing Authority), the Community and Supportive Services Program strengthens Stamford�s public housing communities by empowering residents to become active members and leaders within their communities. Services include counseling, case management, community building and more.

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Early Care and Education

By offering a multi-sensory curriculum emphasizing discovery, cooperation and communication in a nurturing and stimulating environment, our Early Care and Education sites support young children�s development of positive self-identity and instills a lifetime love of learning. Individualized goals are determined jointly with parents and teachers based on classroom assessments. �

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Family First In Education

Family First in Education utilizes a two-generational approach focused on parent engagement and structured after school programming. By paying close attention to both parent and student needs, the program positively impacts overall family wellness, school and community engagement, academic growth in reading and math and social/emotional development.

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Family Self Sufficiency Program

The Family Self Sufficiency Program provides residents public housing residents with the tools they need to attain economic self sufficiency. Services include vocational counseling, goal planning,life skills training and family counseling aimed at helping participants become economically independent.

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Friendly Connections

Friendly Connections offers a variety of in-person and telephone-based services designed for the aging population. Friendly Connections is a great way for homebound and aging adults to continue to socialize, stimulate educational interests and stay connected with the community.

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Here-to-Help

Here-to-Help is collective impact program aimed to help families access the resources and information needed to ensure students succeed. With support from Stamford Public Schools, the program works to overcome educational barriers associated with technology, transportation, translation, childcare and health services.

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Housing Resource Program

Housing Resource Program locates and places clients living with long-term mental illness in safe, stable and affordable housing in lower Fairfield County. Program staff provides an array of supportive services necessary to maintain independent living.

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Intensive Family Preservation

The Intensive Family Preservation Program is a 12-week program in which clinicians provide families with therapeutic and case management services. The Intensive Family Preservation is a referral-based initiative funded by Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

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Literacy Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers offers free English language instruction and basic literacy programs for adults and families. Through partnerships with other community organizations, the program provides small group settings in locations throughout the Greenwich and Stamford communities.

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Parents as Co-Educators

The Parents as Co-Educators Program is a collective impact program in conjunction with Children's Learning Centers (CLC), Building One Community and the Vita Health & Wellness District designed to tackle the growing achievement gap in Fairfield County via a network of two-generational support and education services.

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Parents As Teachers��

The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program helps first- and second-time parents manage the challenges of parenthood by providing a system of continuous care designed to promote positive parenting and education through telephone support, parenting groups, as well as home visiting for eligible parents. Services are offered on a voluntary basis and are free of charge.

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Pathways to Employment Growth��

Pathways to Employment Growth (PEG) prepares lower Fairfield County residents for careers in the growing health care industry. Funded by a grant awarded to the State of Connecticut by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, PEG helps ensure that local residents receive the resources, support, and training needed to obtain in-demand jobs in the health care sector.

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��Reaching Independence Through Employment��

Reaching Independence Through Employment (RITE) helps individuals and families attain a greater sense of self-sufficiency through counseling, goal planning, job-skills training, life skills and family support. Services are free and are available to all in the greater Stamford and Greenwich communities.

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RITE Start

RITE Start provides career readiness for students attending the alternative high school programs at the Greenwich and Stamford public schools (Windrose and Anchor). Students earn partial credits in Career/Life Skills, participate in job shadowing experiences in fields of interest and receive small stipends for their time.

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Victims of Crime Act Case Management

VOCA Case Management Program provides holistic supportive services for victims of crime to encourage safety and resiliency. VOCA Case Managers support the personal growth and emotional healing of victims through assistance with the Victims Compensation Process, advocacy and emotional support and connection to resources.

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Screening Stamford's Youth (SSY)�

SSY screens children and adolescents ages 4-17 in Stamford for early detection of mental health challenges and trauma and connects them to behavioral health services when needed.

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Our Preschool Sites

Armstrong Court Preschool

Located within the Armstrong Court public housing community in Greenwich, the Armstrong Court Preschools provide pre-K education for children between the ages of 3-5. We serve income-eligible families and offer parents a host of self-sufficiency, ESL and education assistance to provide a holistic bridge between education and family wellness.

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The Gateway Preschool

The Gateway Preschool is located at 2 Chapel Street in Greenwich and serves children ages 2-5 years. Gateway has a two-year-old classroom and three pre-kindergarten classes. The preschool�s unique �open classroom� atmosphere and newly renovated multi-age playground are some of the school�s most appealing aspects.

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Greenwich Head Start

Greenwich Head Start provides preschool services to income-eligible families living in Greenwich with three- and four-year-old children. The curriculum-based program teaches children to understand letters, numbers and how to interact in a classroom setting. An emphasis is also placed on parent involvement to encourage positive development.

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The Grauer Preschool

The Grauer Preschool is located at 40 Arch Street in Greenwich and provides education enrichment for children ages 3-5 years. The preschool�s prime location (right off Greenwich Avenue) is convenient for working families. The school features a large outward bound-themed playground and newly-renovated art and indoor play spaces.

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Joan Melber Warburg Early Childhood Center

Joan Melber Warburg Early Childhood Center is located at 22 Bridge Street in Greenwich and serves children ages six weeks to two years. The center�s seven classrooms are designed to accommodate the changing stages of infant and toddler development. It is the only NAEYC-accredited infant/toddler center in Greenwich.

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