Family Resource Center opens at Children’s Museum

MOUNT VERNON — A partnership between Skagit County government and the Children’s Museum of Skagit County creates a family resource center for families adversely impacted by COVID-19. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars provide the funding. It will operate from the Children’s Museum.

“In the best of times, families need community support. It truly does take a village to raise a child,” said Jennifer Sass-Walton, Child and Family Health Manager with Skagit County Public Health. “During the pandemic, and this period of economic uncertainty and isolation, families with young kids and expectant parents need support more than ever. We’re grateful to be able to provide these important services.”

The resource center will provide families who have been impacted by COVID-19 with many different supports including:

• Access to basic needs such as diapers, baby wipes and other supplies (subject to income restrictions).

• Developmentally appropriate learning activities for young kids to complete independently while parents are working from home.

• Help identifying and applying for outside resources families may be eligible for, such as food or mortgage assistance programs.

“Families with kids, and particularly those children under five who maybe haven’t ever attended a traditional school setting, need community,” said Museum Executive Director Cate Anderson. “The Children’s Museum strives to provide a place for families to build a network of personal and institutional support to help their young children grow and thrive, which is more important than ever in light of the pandemic. The family resource center fits exactly into that mission, and we’re excited to be able to be a lead partner.”

The Resource Center is not a drop in center. Access services by calling Resource Center staff, 360-630-8352, or visiting https://helpmegrowskagit.com/. Some services are subject to income restrictions.

Questions? Call Skagit Public Health at 360-416-1500.

Source: Skagit County government