Family Resources of Natick Helps Families Thrive

Parents and their young children have access to a number of free services through Family Resources of Natick (FRN). Located in the Cole Center at 179 Boden Ln., FRN is a grant-based program focused on assisting parents with kids ranging from birth to eight years old. From educational programs, to play groups, to parent workshops, FRN provides a wide range of opportunities to help families thrive.
Koskovitch’s Story
FRN Program Director Pam Koskovich is a valuable representative for the organization due to her personal history with the group. Koskovitch first became involved when her daughter was a year old, joining a toddler support group to make connections with other parents and children, friendships that remain strong today over a decade later.
FRN’s goals for children span language, literacy, growth and development. Building these skills from birth to “school age,” which the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) defines as age eight, helps get them ready for and provide assistance during formal education.
Parents can attend informative events both separately and alongside their children, access information about other resources in their area and help bond with other families through FRN like Koskovitch did, which, as she describes, “builds the support system that all families need to thrive.”
A Growing Mission
Over the years, FRN has honed its focus. Though the organization’s priority has always been young children, the demographic served shifted from time to time, and included the age ranges between birth and four, five and 13 years old.
“Currently, we serve birth to age eight to align with the state’s priorities of transitioning families smoothly between child care and preschool and elementary,” Koskovich explained.
The program operates through a grant from the ECC, and is administered locally by ACCEPT Education Collaboration, located at 220 North Main St. This has allowed FRN to offer its many services completely free of charge to Natick residents.
“FRN has supported thousands with drop-in play times, play-to-learn groups for different ages, parent workshops, support groups and family events, as well as resources and referrals to other community organizations,” Koskovich said.
Upcoming Events
In May and June, two free workshops for parents addressing school readiness will be held, and each will offer free childcare with a reservation.
“Preparing for Preschool” will take place on Monday, May 22, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be led by Early Childhood Educator and Natick parent Amy Hinrichs. Hinrichs will inform attendees about what to expect at preschool, lead in role-playing through fears and instruct in how to prepare over the summer for a better transition.
“Preparing for Kindergarten” will be held on Monday, June 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will be facilitated by Kindergarten Educator Brita Vitello. The focus will be on easing anxieties in kids and parents, and will feature ideas for kindergartener self-care and a bibliography of children’s literature that establishes positive messages about school.
Other upcoming events include a four-week toddler support group on Monday mornings with Jill Vetstein of Nurturing Parents and Teachers, and an end-of-the-year family event, the details for which will be released in the coming months.
To learn more, visit www.natickfamilies.org and subscribe to the newsletter by entering an email address at the left side of the page. Call 508-655-2557 to reserve a spot in an event or program, or to ask about local resources.