North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network
Kathy's Korner
New and exciting things are happening at the North Suburban Family Network. Beginning July 1, 2010, we are changing our name to the North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network (NSCFRN). We will be funded by a MA Department of Early Education and Care’s
Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE), administrated by the Wakefield Public Schools, in collaboration with Hallmark Health. We welcome Molly Goyette, CFCE Grant Director, who will be joining us at the network. Molly will be working with families, assisting
with childcare vouchers, providing information on area preschools and childcare programs as well as other early childhood education resources. Molly also works with the early childhood educators of local preschools, childcare centers and family child care programs. The collaboration of these two programs under one roof will allow us to better serve our families and educators, and to provide comprehensive services for families from birth through
entering Kindergarten. We will be open Wednesday mornings this summer offering drop-in play from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and our Parent and Infant group from 10:00AM – 11:00 AM. If you have any questions or need parenting advice, I will be checking e-mail and voice mail so please feel free to call or write. Have a great summer. Hope to see you at our summer Tunes and Tales events or at a Wednesday program.
Peace, Kathy Together We Can Make a Difference!
Chats with Kathy
If you would like to talk about a parenting issue, ask about preschools or daycare centers, or any topic of interest to you, please feel free to call, email or set a time taht I can reserve jsut for you. The NSCFRN has community resources and parenting information that we can share with you to help make your parenting journey as easy as possible.
NSCFRN Family Assistance Program
If you have gently used children’s clothing, cribs or baby equipment that you want to donate, call Karen Andrews at 781-338-7607 to arrange drop-off or pick-up. We appreciate your generosity, but please, no adult clothing, toys or car seats. Disposable diapers are always accepted, even opened packages of diapers.
The North Suburban WIC:
**Coming soon: A Baby Café will be opening in the Malden WIC office.Are you struggling to meet your weekly food bill? Are you a new mom on unpaid maternity leave? Has your family recently experienced a reduction in work hours or job loss? You might be eligible for WIC benefits. The North Suburban WIC, a program of Hallmark Health, is a health and nutrition program sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Contact the Malden office 781-338-7578 to see if you are eligible.
Childcare and Preschool Information: www.eec.state.ma.us
The Massachusetts Dept. of Early Education and Care website allows parents and caregivers to request a listing by town of all licensed childcare providers and preschools. Our office has a checklist of what to look for when visiting the sites. Before signing your child up for any preschool or daycare, call the Office of Early Education and Care at 1-978-681-9684 to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.
Drop-Ins
Drop-In Play (Birth – 47 months)
Wednesdays 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Come down and enjoy the company of other families while playing in our large playroom. Toys, books, puzzles, blocks, a play kitchen and more will entertain both you and your child. Be sure to sign in. Check out our lending library of books and videos on a wide range of parenting topics while you're here.
Parent and Infant Group Drop-In (Ages Birth – 6 months)
Drop-In Play Guidelines to Remember: Please sign in and pick up toys when you and your child are finished playing. We are a peanut free and juice box free network. All diapers must be bagged and carried home. Family Resource Network Sick Policy applies. Have fun!
Tuesday Tunes & Tales: No reservations needed
Location: The Beebe Estate Lawn,
In case of rain: First Congregational Church,
BYO Picnic: 5:30 PM (No picnic in case of rain) Entertainment: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, July 13 Debbie and Friends
Debbie and Friends concerts are fun for the whole family. Parents and kids join in this interactive “variety Show”, which includes a diverse array of styles including rock, pop, country and reggae. You’ll become the Big Bad Wolf and blow the house down, fix Rosie’s wrong rhymes, and share a special moment with your little ones singing “Love Is A Family”. Bring your Teddy Bear and let’s have some sing-along fun.
Tuesday, July 27 Marcus Gale Music and Puppets for Everyone
Marcus Gale features interactive concerts with lively stories and singing and dancing for everyone. His mission is to bring the gift of music and laughter to children and their families. One smiling man arrives with a guitar and his fuzzy dog pals and ... BOOM! Everyone is singing, laughing and having fun. Mr. Gale’s warm humor, caring attention and personal charm make every performance a truly spontaneous and happy occasion.
Tuesday, August 10 jeanniemack…. Performer for Kids
Jeannie's performances include songs written by leading kids' artists, everyone's traditional favorites and her own originals. She encourages children to act out the songs by way of hand gestures, body movements, and vocal participation. Striving to please both kids and their accompanying adults, jeanniemack weaves "mini" stories, rhymes, and humor throughout her show. A performance by jeanniemack, who accompanies herself on guitar and harmonica, is always guaranteed to be lively and fun.
Tuesday, August 24 “ Big Joe” The Storyteller
“Big Joe” is a Family Network favorite. It would not be summer without a visit from one of the most energetic and creative storytellers around. You never know what he will pull out of his trunk of props. Everyone has a good time as Joe takes classis tales and adds his own original flair. No matter what type of stories Big Joe tells, they all have one thing in common, they are fun and exciting.
Tuesday Tunes & Tales is made possible in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and generous donations from our families.
Special thanks to the Beebe Estate and the First Congregational Church for their continued support.
NSCFRN Governing Council:
The NSCFRN Governing Council is a committee comprised of parents, early childhood educators, members of the business community and human services representatives. The council works with the CFCE Grant Director and NSCFRN Program Manager to assist with programming, fundraising and other operations pertaining to the Network. The 1.5-hour meetings alternate from morning (offering childcare) to evening. Joining the council or a sub-committee of the council is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the Network and also learn more about your community. Sub-committees include: Fundraising, Family Programming and Supports and Provider Programming and Supports. Please call the office at 781-662-2722 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in additional information. Be a part of the future of the North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network.
Calling All Dads:
If you are interested in getting together with other Dads inCriterion Stoneham
Do you have questions or concerns about your infant or toddler’s development? Has your pediatrician recommended that you request an evaluation? Any parent or guardian can ask for a developmental assessment of their birth to three year old by calling the Criterion Stoneham Early Intervention Program. An assessment will be scheduled to determine his/her strengths and needs and if your family is eligible for services. Please call Mary at 781-935-3855.
Arc of East Middlesex (EMARC):
Our mission is to provide and promote services and supports for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. We annually serve over 700 people from Parents Helping Parents:
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed, isolated or stressed? This evening group, facilitated by trained volunteers, provides a place for support, sharing, and encouragement with other parents with similar concerns. Call 1-800-882-1250. For more information, visit www.parentshelpingparents.org. 24-Hour Parental Stress Line 1-800-632-8188
“211” Information Center
A resource available to families both on-line and via phone is the “MA 211” information center. This service will assist you with finding information about resources available in your area. Check the information center for free summer meals. Go to http://www.mass211.org or dial “211” for assistance.
Local Food Pantries:
Melrose: A Servant’s Heart, Faith Evangelical Church, 200 Franklin St., 781-662-8226; Pantry of Hope, First Baptist Church, 561 Main St., 781-665-4470.
**These community programs and supports are not sponsored by Hallmark Health or the NSCFRN
Family Programs
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren In Harmony
Registration required
The North Suburban Family Network offers a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren or other relatives raising a young family member. The program meets from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Life Care Center of Stoneham. The two- hour sessions offer support and speakers on subjects chosen by the participants. You are not alone. Come meet other grandparents who are actively raising their grandchildren. Please call the office at 781-662-2722 for more information or to register.
Network News
Free Clothing Store: Sponsored by the NSFN Family Assistance Program and the North Suburban WIC Program. Available items include books, gently used maternity clothes, infant and children’s clothing (to size 10), diapers and baby essentials such as cribs, swings, strollers, bouncy seats and pack ‘n plays. If you are in need of a helping hand, call 781-338-7579. If you would like to donate items, call 781-338-7607.
Volunteers Needed
Would you or someone you know be able to give a few hours a week to the family network? We are looking for people who can answer doors and greet families coming to class or for drop-in play, do data entry and collect numbers for reports. Hours would be 9 am – 11 am any day during the week. A smiling face to greet you at the door is so important. Call 781-662-2722 or e-mail Kathy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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