KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — The goal is to turn dysfunctional families into functional ones by teaching parents how to be effective parents.
Kalamazoo’s Family and Chilren’s services is on its way to making a facility available to make it happen.
The Lake St. organization held a celebration under a tent Tuesday morning to launch a capital campaign for a brand new facility they hope will rebuild a lot of families.
For some people, parenting comes naturally, but for adults who came from abusive or dysfunctional homes, they may not have a clue. The new goal is to create a series of homelike environments to help parents learn to raise their kids.
Director Rosemary Gardiner says they have already raised $4.5-million of their $5.1 million goal from foundations. Now they need the community to chip in the rest.
The living room like settings will be connected to a patio with a playground beyond, much more conducive to learning than the small offices they now use for family visits.
Staff will work with adults on their parenting skills, and eventually families will be reunited.
If you would like to contribute, you can get more information at www.fcsource.com.