Niagara County Family Opportunity Center
A place for all families to learn, play, and grow together.
About Us
We are a non-profit family opportunity center funded by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Our goal is to strengthen families and be part of your village. We know that parenting is difficult, and we are here to help! We provide a variety of parenting classes, caregiver support groups, family bonding activities, and open play opportunities.
ALL SERVICES PROVIDED BY US ARE FREE OF CHARGE
You must be a Niagara County Resident to be eligible to register with our center and take advantage of our services. There are NO income restrictions or other eligibility requirements.
You can register with our center once you arrive. It only takes a couple of minutes and can be completed on your personal smart phone.
We also have a Family Partner whose role is to meet with families, assess their needs, link to community resources and potentially aid with financial assistance on a case by case basis, as funding allows.
Our Services
Family Enrichment
- Our goal is to strengthen caregiver/child bonds and improve early childhood development through play, family engagement and early literacy skills. Our center aims to give families tools and strategies to address a variety of parenting challenges.
Family Partnership
- Our family partners are here to listen, offer support and assist in linking you to services and resources that would be most beneficial to you, your children and your family as a whole.
In-Kind & Financial Assistance
- Financial assistance and other supports may be offered to families on a case by case basis and as funding allows.
Our Staff
Niagara FOC Calendar
THIS MONTH AT THE FOC!
Center Hours:
Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
OPEN PLAY Hours:
Monday:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday: closed for open play
Saturday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm (unless otherwise stated on calendar)
*There is no registration required for Saturday Open Play at this time. Please check the calendar for Saturday Open Play dates each month!*
We ask you to please consult the calendar before coming in to ensure that we are open. If you are ever unsure about coming in at a certain time, feel free to call ahead and ask! (716) 332-4150
Big Kids Cooking Class @ Niagara Falls Culinary Institute- Thanks to a suggestion from some of our amazing caregivers, this month's Family Fun Night is for the big kids! Join us for a fun cooking class at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, where children and caregivers will learn how to make their own pizza dough, sauce, and learn about the best flavor profiles to create their perfect pie! (AGES 10+)
May 23rd from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Click HERE to register for the Big Kids Cooking Class!
Sips & Scents Parent/Caregiver Workshop @ Kenan Center - This month, treat yourself to an afternoon of tea, a light lunch, and candle making with Divine Elements Candle Company! Additionally, our Parent Facilitator, Sara, will lead a workshop and discussion about how to nurture yourself and your child. This event is for ADULTS ONLY!
May 17th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Click HERE to register for the Sips & Scents Workshop!
ASQ Developmental Screening Grab & Go Event - Is your child learning and growing on track? Let's find out together! Come by the FOC from 1PM-4PM on 5/29 to pick up a FREE Ages and Stages Questionnaire Developmental Screening. Take it home, complete it on your own time, and return it either in person or digitally to receive results, activities, and resource referrals tailored specifically to your child! No registration required! (The ASQ screening tool is intended for children ages 0-5 years old)
Positive Parenting Program Series (Triple P) - Triple P is an evidence-based program that fits the needs of every family, whether they are struggling with temper tantrums or sleeping patterns, parents in conflict with their child or with each other, or have children with additional needs, including those struggling with their mental health. This workshop series is 5 weeks long and will be delivered virtually via Zoom.
Click HERE to register for May's Triple P series!
Triple P Stepping Stones (NEW) - Stepping Stones is based on Triple P’s positive parenting strategies. It helps you manage problem behavior and developmental issues common in children with disability. It also helps encourage behavior you like, cope with stress, develop a close relationship with your child and teach your child new skills. You choose the type of Stepping Stones help based on your own needs. They range in intensity from light-touch seminars to ongoing courses.
Click HERE to register for May's Stepping Stones series! (Begins 5/15 @ 9:30 AM, VIRTUAL)
Zumbini with Miss Cassie - Zumbini is back! Zumbini is a parent-child program designed for kids and toddlers ages 0-4 years, and their parents and caregivers. The program focuses on bonding experiences between kids and parents with the help of a mix of music and movement. Zumbini will now be offered completely free of charge on a monthly basis, on the second Thursday of each month from 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM. No registration required!
P3 Breastfeeding Support Group - We have partnered with P3 to provide a breastfeeding support group. In these sessions, those who breastfeed/chestfeed will have time to share their feeding journeys with others and receive support from a certified lactation counselor. This group takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. No registration required!
NOTE: We offer one-on-one support for parents! Our Triple P accredited facilitator, Jade, is now offering guided, individual sessions to help with a variety of challenges you may
encounter in parenting.
Email Jade (wilkinsj@epicforchildren.org) or call (716) 332-4150 to make an appointment.
SPONSORED BY:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
e-mail us at: niagarafoc@epicforchildren.org
call us at: (716) 332 - 4150