FIRC has continuously worked to find gaps in community services and fill them with our programs. We strive to give families the support they need to be successful parents and community members.
Community Support Program Impact
FIRC Facts:
- FIRC helped over 345 families and individuals with rent, utility and medical bills totaling over $143,000 in assistance in 2010.
- The Summit Self-Sufficiency Project helped 56 people with new or additional job training and computer skills to help them find a job or new career.
- FIRC is working with parents to help over 400 children obtain CHP+ Insurance.
Summit County, Colorado, is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is home to four resorts. The cost of living in Summit County, ranks fourth highest in the state and as a result, FIRC works to inform and educate community members and clients about making smart financial decisions so they can maintain a self-sustainable lifestyle. In Summit County, 82 percent of families have both parents working, which is one of the highest percentages in the United States. This combined with the high cost of living gives families many challenges to remaining in this community on a year-round long-term basis.
At FIRC, we believe in offering a resource center for family and social services that will make a long-lasting difference. We offer life skills classes, and family development to encourage more stability within families resulting in a stronger community.
Financial assistance with rent and utilities helps to prevent homelessness or utility disconnection. To receive these services, families or individuals must show they are making an effort to become stable and self-sufficient before we provide financial assistance.
In addition, we have a food bank for families and individuals facing hunger. Families can also receive clothing vouchers and diapers.
Families United Impact: Parenting Education and Early Childhood Development
FIRC Facts:
- FIRC provided over 1,200 home visits to 114 children ages 0-5 using the Parents as Teachers curriculum.
- Specialized parent educator provides weekly home visits to 9 low-income children for the new Early Head Start program at FIRC.
- Over 215 new parents received a free Bright Beginnings home visit over the last year, the most in FIRC history.
In the Families United Program, we provide home visitation, parent education, support groups and family events to anyone who may need the extra support. Qualification for these programs is not based on income or economic status as we believe the need for support in the areas of parenting and family is universal.
In Summit County 82% of both parents have jobs, so we try to help families build the bonds with their children and give them effective communication, development and discipline skills so the time spent with their children is effective in building a strong family.