All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, My FRC and Families Thriving!
This holiday season, as the familiar jingle All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth fills the air, we find ourselves reflecting on a deeper wish—a wish for connection, community, and the vital role of Family Resource Centers in building resilient families. Just as children eagerly anticipate the joy of the season, families across Virginia long for something essential: access to concrete supports and a sense of belonging where they live, work and play.
Family Resource Centers align with values that resonate deeply across political divides—family, community and personal responsibility. These centers are not handouts; they are hand-ups. They empower parents to raise children in safe, nurturing homes and help families achieve self-reliance through local solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Virginia is home to seven Family Resource Centers, each serving as a lifeline for thousands of families. These centers are hubs of hope, offering services that range from parenting classes and mental health resources to job readiness training and emergency assistance. They are deeply rooted in their communities, providing the tools families need to grow stronger and more connected. However, this critical support system is under threat.
The funding provided through ARPA II is set to expire on June 30, 2025, jeopardizing the future of these centers. If we lose our FRCs, the ripple effects will be profound — families left without support, communities weakened, and a significant economic and social loss for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Return on Investment
Family Resource Centers are smart fiscal policy. Nationally, research shows that for every dollar invested in FRCs, communities see an average return of $3 to $5. This is due to reduced child welfare interventions, improved family stability and stronger local economies.
For those who value fiscal responsibility, these numbers make FRCs a commonsense investment. They prevent costly crises like foster care placements and homelessness, which place a far greater burden on taxpayers and government systems.
In Virginia, our Family Resource Centers are living proof of these outcomes. They address the five protective factors that are key to preventing child abuse and neglect:
· Parental resilience – Helping parents overcome challenges and maintain their independence.
· Social connections – Strengthening communities through relationships.
· Knowledge of parenting and child development – Equipping families with tools for success.
· Concrete support in times of need – Providing immediate, effective assistance to keep families together.
· Social and emotional competence of children – Ensuring the next generation grows up prepared for the future.
Every day, FRCs are transforming lives in ways that reflect our values. Families have shared stories of finding jobs, escaping domestic violence, and learning how to support their children’s education — all because of the resources and community connections provided by these centers.
The Stakes Are High
Without continued funding, the seven Family Resource Centers in Virginia — spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas — could close their doors. What happens then? Families lose access to essential resources. Communities lose safe spaces for engagement and support. Local economies suffer as families fall into crises that could have been prevented.
A Call to Action
We know legislators value strong families and self-sufficient communities, so this is a moment to act. FRCs are not just about services, they’re about creating opportunities for families to stand on their own two feet. They’re a proven, cost-effective way to strengthen the fabric of our Commonwealth and ensure that communities remain vibrant and resilient.
Supporting Family Resource Centers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. These centers uphold the principles of empowering local communities to solve local challenges. They reduce government dependency by helping families achieve stability and independence.
This holiday season let’s come together to protect and invest in our Family Resource Centers. For the families they serve, for the communities they sustain and for the future they help build.
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my Family Resource Centers and families that thrive. Let’s make this wish come true for all of Virginia's families!
Comments